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Mozambique’s president, Daniel Francisco Chapo, has offered a significant financial incentive to the country’s national football team, the Mambas, ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations round-of-16 clash against Nigeria, Footynaija.com reports.
President Chapo pledged a cash bonus of 500,000 meticais for each player and member of the coaching staff if they eliminate the Super Eagles.
The pledge, worth approximately ₦11.3 million per person, was confirmed in a message issued on 1 January 2026, as Mozambique prepare for what is shaping up to be one of the most daunting assignments of the tournament so far.
Nigeria and Mozambique are scheduled to meet at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Monday, 5 January, with kick-off set for 20:00 local time, as the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco gathers momentum.
The Mambas secured their place in the last 16 after finishing third in Group F, despite a narrow 2-1 defeat to Cameroon in their final group match. That result was enough to extend their stay at the tournament, and earn a date with one of the competition’s most impressive sides.
In his message to the players and technical crew, President Chapo hailed Mozambique’s progression as both ‘unprecedented and meritorious’, describing it as a moment of national pride.
Speaking on behalf of the Mozambican people, the head of state praised the squad’s courage, discipline and determination, qualities he said had enabled the team to reach a historic milestone on the continental stage.
According to Jornal Notícias, the extraordinary bonus was announced as a motivational gesture, raising the scale of belief within the country that the Mambas can rise to the challenge posed by Nigeria.
President Chapo also reaffirmed that the entire nation stands firmly behind the team, expressing confidence in their ability to overcome the Super Eagles and reach the quarter-finals, a feat that would mark one of the greatest achievements in Mozambican football history.
Nigeria, unbeaten and widely regarded as title contenders, go into the tie as favourites. But with political backing, national momentum and a lucrative reward on the line, Mozambique will approach Monday night’s encounter with renewed belief, and little to lose.
