Mozambique President Promises Cash Bonus of N11m to Mambas Ahead of Nigeria Clash at AFCON 2025

Mozambique's President Daniel Francisco Chapo has announced a substantial cash incentive for the Mambas if they defeat Nigeria's Super Eagles in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The promise, reported widely across African media outlets on January 1-2, 2026, offers each player and coaching staff member 500,000 Mozambican meticais—equivalent to approximately $7,800 USD or ₦11.3 million Nigerian naira—if Mozambique advances to the quarter-finals by upsetting the three-time champions.

This historic matchup, scheduled for January 5, 2026, at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fez, pits an underdog side against one of the tournament's favorites. Mozambique, nicknamed the Mambas, achieved a milestone by reaching the knockout stage for the first time ever. They finished third in Group F with three points, despite losses to Côte d'Ivoire and Cameroon, thanks to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Gabon—their first AFCON win in decades. President Chapo hailed this qualification as "unprecedented" and a source of immense national pride, praising the team's courage, discipline, and determination in a public message.

The bonus announcement, first detailed by Mozambican newspaper Jornal Notícias, comes as a motivational boost ahead of a daunting challenge. Nigeria topped their group with a perfect record, showcasing stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze. The Super Eagles are seen as overwhelming favorites, having dominated their opponents and emerging as title contenders. Historical head-to-heads favor Nigeria, who have won four of five previous encounters against Mozambique, with one draw. 

For the players, many of whom ply their trade in domestic or lower-tier foreign leagues, the bonus represents life-changing money. It adds extra incentive to pull off what would be one of the tournament's biggest shocks. Coach Chiquinho Conde's side has shown resilience, and with this financial carrot, they may play with even greater freedom against a Nigerian team wary of complacency—recalling past upsets like their 2021 AFCON exit despite a flawless group stage.