Chiquinho Conde Warns Super Eagles as Mozambique Target Upset in AFCON Knockout Clash

Mozambique head coach Chiquinho Conde has acknowledged Nigeria’s attacking firepower but insists his side will approach their Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 showdown with belief, balance and ambition.

Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, Conde admitted that the Super Eagles boast one of the most structured and dangerous attacks in African football, stressing that his players must be tactically disciplined to contain Nigeria’s threats.

“Nigeria are a very strong team and we all know they have a long process in building their attack,” Conde said. “We will do all we can to break down their defence and also ensure their strikers are not able to attack.”

The Mozambican tactician also paid tribute to Nigeria’s rich football heritage, highlighting the country’s tradition of producing elite talents across generations.

“We respect Nigeria. They have been a good team since the days of Rashidi Yekini. Across generations, they have produced good players and now have top players in Europe like Osimhen and Lookman,” he added.

Despite Nigeria’s pedigree and power, Conde believes reputation alone will not decide the contest. According to him, desire, commitment and mentality will play a bigger role once the match kicks off.

“Our players will play for the Mozambican flag and the game will start at 0–0. We know Nigeria are more powerful, but we will see who wants it more.”

Nigeria head into the knockout tie as one of the tournament’s most convincing sides following an impressive group-stage campaign, while Mozambique are enjoying a historic first appearance in the AFCON knockout rounds. Conde’s comments underline the Mambas’ determination to defy the odds and chase another landmark moment against one of Africa’s most decorated football nations.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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