Mozambique President Daniel Francisco Chapo has fired up the Mambas with a huge financial motivation ahead of their historic Round of 16 encounter against Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mozambique players sing national anthem before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier game between Mozambique and Mali at Estadio do Zimpeto in Maputo, Mozambique on 15 November 2024 © Jaime Machel/BackpagePix
In a message congratulating the team on their first-ever knockout stage qualification, President Chapo promised an extraordinary bonus of 500,000 meticais – equivalent to approximately ₦11.3 million or around $7,800 – for each player and member of the coaching staff if they defeat the three-time champions and advance to the quarter-finals.
The announcement, reported by Mozambican outlet Jornal Notícias, comes after Mozambique made history by progressing from Group F as one of the best third-placed teams, despite a final group defeat to Cameroon. Their campaign included a landmark first AFCON win in 40 years – a thrilling 3-2 victory over Gabon.
Chapo praised the squad’s courage, discipline, and determination, stating that the entire nation stands behind them with faith in their ability to prevail against Eric Chelle’s impressive Nigeria side, who topped their group with maximum points.
The highly anticipated clash is scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fez, kicking off at 8:00 PM local time. Nigeria hold a dominant head-to-head record, but the Mambas will be extra motivated by this presidential pledge.
This kind of incentive highlights the growing passion for football in Mozambique as they aim for an unprecedented quarter-final berth.
