Former Hoffenheim right-back Alfons Amade has revealed that the team’s biggest strength going into their Round of 16 clash against Nigeria is the unity and bond within the squad, Soccernet.ng reports.
With a quarter-final spot at stake, Amade insists that Mozambique will rely on teamwork to challenge the Super Eagles, who remain unbeaten in the group stage of AFCON 2025.
The match, scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2026, in Fez, Morocco, pits a confident Nigerian side against a Mozambique team riding the momentum of a shock victory over Gabon, despite suffering two defeats in the group stage.
While Mozambique has never beaten Nigeria in the history of the tournament, Amade believes that this game is a fresh opportunity for his side to make history.
Preparation Ahead of Super Eagles Game
The Dunfermline Athletic defender emphasised that the team is sticking to the approach that has worked well so far.
“We’ve been playing like normal. We don't want to change too much. We have a wave behind us which was kind of successful, so we just keep going,” he said.
The 26-year-old added that despite a few injuries, the squad remains strong and well-prepared.
“We are working with passion and humbleness and trying to win this game. Every opponent now is strong, so it’s not easy, but we have our chance and we want to use it. We’re ready,” Amade noted.
Mozambique vs Nigeria: Will History Change?
Mozambique has yet to record a victory against the Super Eagles in AFCON history. However, Amade is focused on the present rather than the past.
“It’s a tournament, so we have to win, and it doesn’t matter how, but we have to win in the way we’re thinking. I know history says something else, but this game will be another story, another chance for us to beat Nigeria,” he said to Soccernet.ng.
Watch what Alfons Amade said ahead of Super Eagles game here:
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Witi and Catamo: Individual Talent vs Team Unity
While Mozambique boasts talented players like Witi and Geny Catamo, Amade insists that the squad’s unity is the real advantage.
“We have a few individual qualities, of course, but I think the bond within the whole team is our biggest strength. That’s what we want to bring on the pitch. We don’t want to talk a lot about names — it’s more about the unity of the team,” he explained to Soccernet.ng.
Mozambique's biggest strength is expected to play a major role as they prepare to face a Nigerian side at the Complexe Sportif de Fes today at 8:00 PM local time.
