The Mambas face a stern examination at the Fes Sports Complex on Monday, where they come up against a Super Eagles side that cruised through the group stages with a flawless record.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Conde acknowledged the difficulty of the task, admitting few teams would willingly choose to face Nigeria at this stage of the competition.
"As a team, we know that the further we go in the tournament, the stronger the opponents become," Conde told AfricanFootball.
"We can't say we are happy to face Nigeria. A different result in the group might have changed that path, but Nigeria are a strong team and no one wants to play against them."
Despite the challenge, the Mozambican coach insists his players will not be overawed by the occasion.
"It is the task we have at hand and we will approach the game as we do against Africa's top teams. We will show them respect, but we will play without fear," he added.
However, Mozambique head into the knockout fixture with injury concerns. Key defenders Nene and Diogo Calila are both doubts after missing training sessions due to muscle injuries sustained during the group stage.
Team doctor Mussa Calu confirmed the pair picked up muscle strains while training in Agadir and are currently receiving treatment, though their availability for Monday's clash remains uncertain.
Mozambique qualified for the Round of 16 with three points after narrow defeats to Ivory Coast and Cameroon, followed by a dramatic 3-2 victory over Gabon. The achievement marks a historic milestone for the Mambas, who had never previously reached the knockout phase or won a match at AFCON.
As added motivation, President Daniel Chapo has promised each player a bonus of 500,000 meticais (approximately 7,824 USD) should they eliminate Nigeria and reach the quarter-finals.
Nigeria, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence after topping their group with three wins from three matches and nine points, and have also been promised lucrative incentives to secure victory in the knockout clash.
Al-Ahli winger and Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has expressed confidence in his nations ability to overcome Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal on Saturday.
Former Nigerian international midfielder Mutiu Adepoju says the Super Eagles have been improving with every game at the Africa Cup of Nations and expects the team to see off Algeria in the quarter-finals.
A brace from Victor Osimhen saw Nigeria ease past Mozambique 4-0 in a one-sided Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 clash in Morocco on Monday night.
Egypt secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals for an 11th time after edging past a stubborn Benin side 3–1 in extra time at the Stade Adrar in Agadir on Monday night.
