‘They have the best players in Africa’ — Mozambique defender motivated to face Lookman and Osimhen

Mozambique defender Bruno Langa has admitted that Nigeria boast the best players on the continent but insists the Super Eagles’ star power only fuels the Mambas’ motivation.

The two sides meet on Monday in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with Nigeria entering the clash as heavy favourites.

Nigeria arrive in Fes as one of AFCON 2025’s most convincing teams, having won all three group matches and scored a tournament-high eight goals.

Led by former African Footballers of the Year Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles are widely tipped to progress as they chase a fourth continental crown.

Despite the disparity in pedigree, Bruno Langa insists Mozambique are not intimidated. Instead, the 28-year-old left-back says the occasion presents a rare opportunity for the Mambas to announce themselves on the continental stage.

“When you play a team like Nigeria, it’s another motivation,” Langa told Soccernet.ng. “We are here to show the people of Africa and my country that we have a good team and we can play against any team.”

Mozambique are featuring in the AFCON knockout rounds for the first time in their history, following a dramatic 3–2 group-stage win over Gabon. Langa, who has played in all three of his side’s matches so far, believes that milestone has already strengthened belief within the squad ahead of their toughest test yet.

Standing in Mozambique’s way is a Nigeria side packed with elite attacking talent. Lookman has already recorded two goals and two assists in just two appearances, while Osimhen has added a goal and an assist of his own, continuing the form that powered Nigeria to the AFCON final two years ago.

Yet Langa is clear that Mozambique are not travelling to Morocco simply to admire reputations. “Facing Lookman and Osimhen is the first motivation,” he said. “We know they are good players, maybe the best in Africa, but we also have good players. This is our chance to show that and enjoy the game.”

While Mozambique’s president has reportedly promised a financial reward if the Mambas shock Nigeria, Langa insists history is the real prize. Reaching the quarter-finals for the first time would represent a landmark achievement for the nation.

Nigeria remain unbeaten in five meetings with Mozambique and won their only previous AFCON encounter 3–0 in 2010. But as Langa and the Mambas see it, Monday night offers the perfect stage to rewrite history.