Mozambique’s national football team, the Mambas, have received a significant morale boost ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 Round of 16 encounter against Nigeria on Monday, following a financial incentive announced by President Daniel Francisco Chapo.
President Chapo has pledged a $8,000 reward to each player and member of the technical crew if the Mambas defeat Nigeria and book a place in the quarterfinals of the continental tournament.
The incentive applies across the entire squad and backroom staff, reinforcing the government’s support for the team’s AFCON campaign.
The knockout fixture against the Super Eagles presents one of Mozambique’s biggest tests at the tournament, with Nigeria entering the contest as one of the title contenders.
A victory on Monday would not only send the Mambas into the last eight but also mark a landmark achievement in the nation’s football history.
Team preparations have intensified ahead of the decisive clash, with the presidential pledge expected to further lift confidence within the camp.
Beyond the financial reward, progression would represent a major boost to national pride and Mozambique’s growing profile on the African football stage.
The match forms part of Monday’s Round of 16 programme as the competition moves into its decisive knockout phase, where margins are slim and stakes are high.
