Mozambique head coach Chiquinho Conde has warned Nigeria’s Super Eagles to expect a fierce contest when the two sides meet in Monday night’s Africa Cup of Nations last-16 tie, Soccernet.ng reports.
Conde acknowledges the magnitude of the task ahead of his brave Mambas but he insists his team is ready to embrace the pressure of knockout football.
Nigeria are clear favourites going into the encounter in Fès, boasting superior pedigree, deeper experience and a dominant head-to-head record.
But Conde, speaking ahead of the game, said Mozambique would approach the tie with calmness, humility and belief.
The 60-year-old admitted that Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles carry the weight of expectation, yet stressed that Mozambique’s performances against top opposition in the group stage showed they are no pushovers.
“Mozambique have shown that we’ve a strong team and against Ivory Coast and Cameroon, we failed the details, but now [AFCON Round of 16] it is kill-kill,” Conde said.
“Nigeria are favourite [to win the match], but let us face the game with humility, tranquility and a lot of responsibility.
“We have come to this Round of 16 stage with respect and now we’re going to show what we can do.”
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Nigeria vs Mozambique: Quarter-final ticket on the line
Conde’s Mozambique will be determined to turn promise into progression. The Mambas impressed in flashes during the group phase, pushing both Ivory Coast and Cameroon and showing resilience even when results did not fall their way.
Nigeria, meanwhile, arrive with history firmly on their side. The Super Eagles have never lost to Mozambique in five previous meetings, including a memorable 3-0 victory at the AFCON in Angola 16 years ago, when Peter Odemwingie scored twice and Obafemi Martins added the third.
Three-time champions Nigeria are appearing at AFCON for the 21st time and are expected to welcome back captain Wilfred Ndidi and other first-team regulars who were rested in the group stage. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are set to spearhead the attack as the Super Eagles chase another deep run at the tournament.
Mozambique, by contrast, are making just their fifth AFCON appearance. Their best-ever finish remains a quarter-final showing in 2021, but they will draw encouragement from a spirited performance against Cameroon in Agadir during their final group match.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm on Monday at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.