Mozambique defender, Reinildo Mandava and Amade has openly admitted that Nigeria fully deserved their emphatic victory after the Super Eagles knocked his side out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a dominant round-of-16 performance.
Nigeria produced one of their most dominant displays of the tournament, recording a 4–0 win and controlling the match from start to finish.
Mandava, who also plays his club football with English Premier League side, Sunderland, acknowledged the Super Eagles’ superiority in all areas of the game.
Mandava: “Nigeria Is a Big Team, They Deserved to Win”
Speaking after the match, Mandava praised Nigeria’s intensity, chance creation and commitment, admitting Mozambique were second best on the night.
“Nigeria is a big team, so they deserve to win this game. They gave everything and created more chances than us.”
“We did not play well, but that is football. Even against a big team like Nigeria, they deserved to win because they gave everything on the pitch.”
“Now we will go home, continue working, keep fighting, and prepare for another opportunity,” Mandava said.
Nigeria’s relentless pressing, fluid attacking play and defensive solidity left Mozambique chasing shadows, as the Super Eagles booked their place in the quarter-finals with authority.
“It Was Too Easy for Nigeria” – Mozambique’s Alfons Amade
Mozambique midfielder Alfons Amade was equally honest in his assessment, admitting that his team failed to meet the required intensity against a side of Nigeria’s quality.
According to Amade, competing at that level demands total commitment, both individually and collectively, something Mozambique failed to deliver.
“We have to be on one hundred percent to compete against teams like this. If we play with half our strength, it will not be enough.”
“If everyone plays their own game, it is not enough. Against them, you must play as a team in defence and in attack, and that was not the case,” Amade said.
He also pointed out that Mozambique’s lack of compactness made Nigeria’s job easier. However, despite insisting that the team did not disgrace the nation, Amade admitted deep frustration at how the match unfolded.
“I do not think we disappointed our people, but we could have presented ourselves better.”
“We came here to win the tournament, and in my opinion, it was too easy for Nigeria. That makes me angry and sad,” he concluded.
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Historic AFCON 2025 for Mozambique
AFCON 2025 will be remembered as a historic tournament for Mozambique. The Mambas:
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Reached the knockout stages for only the third time in their history
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Recorded their first-ever AFCON victory, a dramatic 3–2 group-stage win over Gabon
