Mozambique head coach Francisco Chiquinho Conde has confirmed that his squad is ready to face Nigeria in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations despite several injury concerns, Soccernet.ng reports.
Key players Nenê and Edmilson remain doubtful, while Bruno Langa has been rested as a precaution. However, Conde is confident that the recovered Diogo Calila and the rest of the squad are ready to challenge the Super Eagles.
The match, scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2026, in Fez, Morocco, offers Mozambique a chance to make history, as the team has never defeated Nigeria in AFCON competitions.
Ahead of the clash, the former Mozambique international reveals that unity in the squad and their commitment will be central to their approach.
Preparation Ahead of Super Eagles Game
The former Sporting CP striker gave a detailed update on the squad’s condition in a pre-match presser observed by Soccernet.ng:
“We will not be able to count on Nenê. Edmilson remains uncertain, and we will evaluate his condition until kickoff. Calila is recovered; we were lucky that he recovered under better conditions. Bruno Langa was injured, and as a precaution, we decided to rest him to avoid worsening his condition.”
Mozambique vs Nigeria: Injury Concerns
While the absence or uncertainty of Nenê, Edmilson, and Langa could have posed challenges, Conde emphasised that Calila’s return and the overall squad depth provide confidence going into the game.
Conde’s Plans as Mozambique Faces Super Eagles
Conde stressed that Mozambique’s strength lies in the collective effort rather than individual names.
“Even the young players in this selection have shown they have the qualities to represent the country,” he noted. “The players are happy, united, and fully committed.”
Mozambique will need more than teamwork to challenge the Super Eagles and potentially pull off an upset against a side that boasts of players like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and others tonight.