Mozambique President Pledges Massive Bonus to Mambas for Upset Win Over Nigeria’s Super Eagles
By Yahaya Idris
In a stunning show of national support, President Daniel Francisco Chapo has reportedly promised each Mambas player and coaching staff member a whopping 500,000 meticais, equivalent to about N11.3 million, if they can pull off a historic victory against Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
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The announcement comes hot on the heels of Mozambique’s improbable qualification for the round of 16, marking one of the tournament’s feel-good stories amid fierce continental competition.
Despite a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Cameroon that left them third in Group F, the Mambas clawed their way into the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams, defying pre-tournament odds.
Now, they face a daunting challenge: the three-time AFCON champions, Nigeria, known for their star-studded squad and relentless attacking flair.
President Chapo wasted no time in celebrating the team’s feat.
In a heartfelt message to the players and technical crew on Thursday, he hailed their journey as “unprecedented,” igniting waves of pride across Mozambique.
“Your courage, discipline, and unbreakable determination have brought joy to every Mozambican heart,” the president stated, according to media reports from Jornal Notícias.
To fire up the squad for the blockbuster clash, Chapo dangled the mouthwatering incentive: 500,000 meticais per person should they topple the Super Eagles and storm into the quarter-finals.
The entire nation is rallying behind the Mambas, with Chapo affirming total confidence in their potential to script an African football fairy tale. “We stand with you,” he declared.
All eyes now turn to the Complexe Sportif de Fès, where the decisive last-16 showdown kicks off on Monday, January 5, at 8 pm local time, a battle that could redefine Mozambique’s place in AFCON lore.
