Former TSG Hoffenheim player Alfons Amade has delivered an emotional and brutally honest assessment of Mozambique’s heavy defeat to Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
He admitted he was left disappointed after the Mambas were outplayed by the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 clash.
The midfielder, who featured prominently for Mozambique during the tournament, acknowledged that his side fell well short of the level required to compete with one of Africa’s football heavyweights as Nigeria cruised into the quarter-finals with a dominant performance.
“Not good enough from start to finish” – Amade
Speaking after the game, Amade did not shy away from criticising Mozambique’s display, conceding that Nigeria found it far too easy to create chances.
“We have to be at a high level — 100 per cent — to compete against big football nations like Nigeria,” Amade said.
“It was too easy for them to create chances, and that’s not good enough if you want to play for a win. From the start until the end, it wasn’t good enough, and Nigeria deserved to win.”
Mozambique had entered the Round of 16 hoping to build on their surprise group-stage victory over Gabon but were unable to cope with Nigeria’s efficiency.
Mozambique didn’t come here to lose
Amade stressed that the Mambas arrived at AFCON with ambition, not merely to make up the numbers, and found the manner of the defeat particularly difficult to accept.
“We didn’t come here to lose. We came to compete, to be aggressive and to try to create chances,” he explained.
“It’s hard for me to accept, especially because it wasn’t near enough in every aspect of the game.”
While acknowledging Nigeria’s quality, the 26-year-old insisted Mozambique must hold itself to higher standards.
“Nigeria used their chances”
Despite his frustration, Amade was quick to credit the Super Eagles for their clinical display, admitting they executed their game plan perfectly.
“They have good players and a good team. They always have their chances, and they used them well,” he said.
“Even if Nigeria is a big football country, we still believe we can compete, but today they played it well and deserved to win.”
Nigeria’s efficiency in front of goal ultimately proved decisive, as the Super Eagles dominated proceedings from early on.
Emotions still raw for ex-Hoffenheim player
The former Hoffenheim man admitted emotions were still running high in the immediate aftermath of the defeat, even if pride in Mozambique’s overall AFCON journey may come later.
“For me personally, I’m angry, disappointed and sad,” Amade said.
“Maybe in a few days we can be proud of what we achieved, but not today. We’re playing to win, and that wasn’t the case.”
Watch ex-Hoffenheim defender Alfons Amade on Mozambique vs Super Eagles here:
With Mozambique’s AFCON campaign all but over, the Mambas are now turning their focus to the future.