Mozambique star Manuel Kambala has voiced strong belief that the Mambas can eliminate Nigeria when the two sides meet in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Polokwane City midfielder insists the Mambas have what it takes to eliminate the Super Eagles at AFCON 2025.
Nigeria and Mozambique meet on Monday, 5 January, at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
The Super Eagles arrive as one of the tournament’s most convincing sides so far, but Kambala believes history and reputation will not decide this contest.
Nigeria topped their group with maximum points from three matches, scoring freely under head coach Eric Chelle. Yet questions remain over their defensive solidity after conceding four goals in the group stage, including one against a 10-man Uganda side.
Mozambique’s path to the knockout rounds was far less comfortable. The Mambas recorded just one win from three group games, a dramatic 3–2 victory over Gabon, while suffering defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon. That solitary win, however, proved decisive, earning Mozambique their first-ever appearance in the AFCON knockout stage.
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Kambala: ‘We have already shown it on the field’
Historically, Nigeria hold a commanding advantage. Mozambique have never beaten the Super Eagles, managing just one draw and four defeats in five meetings. Their only previous AFCON encounter ended in a 3–0 win for Nigeria at the 2010 tournament.
Kambala, though, has brushed aside that record, arguing that the current Mozambique squad has already shown enough in Morocco to believe an upset is possible.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported us. We hope they will support us against Nigeria,” Kambala said ahead of the game.
“I believe we will advance, I clearly believe we will advance with the team we have.
“We have already shown that on the field, we have already demonstrated that we are not just here to participate, we know it will not be an easy game. I believe we will not return to Mozambique on January 5th.”
Nigeria, chasing a fourth continental title, remain clear favourites on paper, boasting attacking talent and tournament pedigree.
However, the Super Eagles’ advantage has been slightly blunted by injuries to Ryan Alebiosu and Cyriel Dessers, with the Panathinaikos forward returning to his club without playing a single game at the AFCON.
Chelle, though, can still count on the quality of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams to drive Nigeria’s challenge for glory.