Mambas’ Langa warns Osimhen and Lookman: Motivated Mozambique won’t be star-struck vs Nigeria

Mozambique defender Bruno Langa has warned that the Mambas will not be intimidated by Nigeria’s star power as the two sides prepare to meet in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria, three-time African champions, go into Monday night’s knockout tie as overwhelming favourites, having emerged as one of the tournament’s most convincing teams. The Super Eagles won all three of their group matches – a feat matched only by Algeria – and arrive in the round of 16 with a competition-high eight goals scored.

By contrast, Mozambique are still new to this stage of the tournament. Their dramatic 3-2 win over Gabon last week marked the country’s first ever victory at an AFCON finals and secured a historic maiden appearance in the knockout rounds.

Yet Langa insists that Nigeria’s pedigree has fuelled, rather than frightened, the Mambas.

What Bruno Langa said ahead of Nigeria vs Mozambique clash

Speaking ahead of the clash in Fes, the 28-year-old left-back said Mozambique are driven by the chance to announce themselves on the continental stage.

“When you play a team like Nigeria, it's another motivation,” Bruno Langa told Soccernet.ng.

“We are here to show the people of Africa and my country, we are here, we have a good team. We can play against any team, you know. We (want to) show the people we are here for this.”

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Langa: Mozambique not scared of Lookman, Osimhen

Langa has featured in all three of Mozambique’s matches so far and believes the tournament represents an opportunity for the squad to demonstrate its quality, regardless of the opposition.

Standing in their way is a Super Eagles side packed with elite attacking talent. Ademola Lookman, Africa Footballer of the Year in 2024, and Victor Osimhen, the 2023 winner, have again been central to Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, just as they were during the country’s run to the final two years ago.

Lookman has contributed two goals and two assists in just two appearances, while Osimhen – Africa’s most valuable centre-forward – has one goal and one assist from three games.

Despite the calibre of players Nigeria possess, Langa says Mozambique are not in Morocco to admire reputations.

“Facing (Lookman and Osimhen) is the first motivation,” Langa added.

“Because we know we play against good players. We have our own good players, too. But we want to show the people we are here and we have our good players. This is the chance, the opportunity to show this. And to enjoy the game.”

Mozambique’s belief has been further boosted by a pledge from the country’s president, who has promised a significant financial reward should the Mambas eliminate Nigeria.

However, Langa says the greatest incentive is the opportunity to make history by reaching the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.

“My first motivation is the motivation of the team. This is a game against Nigeria. We will play against Nigeria. I think they have the best players of Africa, the best team of Africa. So, this is the first motivation for us.”

Nigeria, meanwhile, are chasing a fourth continental title and their first since 2013.

Monday’s encounter will be played at the Stade de Fes on 5 January, with kick-off scheduled for 20h00 local time (19h00 GMT).

Nigeria vs Mozambique: Head-to-head history

This will be only the second meeting between the two nations at an AFCON finals.

Their previous encounter came at the 2010 tournament, when Nigeria secured a 3–0 group-stage victory, with Peter Odemwingie scoring twice and Obafemi Martins adding a late third.

Overall, Nigeria are unbeaten in five meetings across all competitions, recording four wins and one draw. Their most recent clash was a friendly in October 2023, which Nigeria won 3–2 in Albufeira.

While form and the record books back the Super Eagles, Mozambique arrive believing that history is there to be rewritten.