Nigeria vs Mozambique: Mambas star threatens Super Eagles with ‘weapons’ ahead of AFCON 2025 clash

Mozambique midfielder Guima has fired an early warning to the Super Eagles ahead of their AFCON 2025 Round of 16 clash, insisting the Mambas possess “weapons” capable of hurting Nigeria.

Despite Nigeria’s status as overwhelming favourites, the Mozambicans believe unity, not star power, could tilt the balance.

Speaking ahead of Monday’s encounter at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, Guima played down Mozambique’s lack of household names while underlining what he believes makes his team dangerous.

The 29-year-old midfielder, who started two of Mozambique’s three group-stage matches, stressed that cohesion and togetherness are the Mambas’ biggest strengths.

“We have our weapons as a team and we are working to beat Nigeria,” Guima told Soccernet.ng. “Our team is together and I think it can be the difference between us and other teams because we are a very good group. We don't play as individual players, we play as a team.”

Guima added that Mozambique’s steady growth on the international stage is built on that collective identity, rather than reliance on one or two standout individuals.

He is expected to start against Nigeria and will be tasked with driving belief and discipline in midfield as Mozambique look to spring a surprise against the three-time African champions.

Nigeria head into the tie in formidable form, having topped their group with a perfect record of three wins. Their pedigree, squad depth, and tournament experience make them clear favourites, especially after navigating a challenging group that included Ivory Coast and Cameroon.

However, history suggests the Super Eagles cannot afford complacency, having occasionally struggled against supposedly weaker opposition.

While Guima has talked up team unity, Mozambique’s most dangerous individual remains Geny Catamo. If Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle can successfully limit the influence of the Sporting CP winger, Nigeria’s path to victory should be clearer.

Still, Mozambique’s group-stage experiences despite losses to Ivory Coast and Cameroon, have provided valuable lessons for coach Chiquinho Conde and his squad.

Nigeria may be expected to win, but Guima’s comments underline a familiar AFCON reality: underestimating a united, battle-hardened opponent can be costly.