Mozambique’s President, Daniel Francisco Chapo, has celebrated the Mambas’ qualification for the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and has dangled a special reward ahead of their showdown with Nigeria

The Mambas progressed to the knockout phase after finishing third in Group F, setting up a meeting with the Super Eagles despite ending the group stage with a 2-1 loss to Cameroon.

In a message issued on Thursday to the players and coaching staff, President Chapo described the qualification as a landmark achievement, saying it has brought immense pride to Mozambique.

He praised the team’s courage, discipline, and fighting spirit, stressing that their collective effort has taken Mozambican football to new heights on the continental stage.

According to Jornal Notícias, the president approved an extraordinary bonus of 500,000 meticais, estimated at about N11.3 million, for each player and member of the technical crew should they overcome Nigeria and secure a place in the quarter-finals.

He further assured the squad of the full backing of the nation and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver a strong performance against the Super Eagles.

Nigeria and Mozambique are scheduled to face each other at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Monday, January 5, with kickoff set for 8 pm.