Nigeria cruise past Mozambique into Afcon quarter-finals
Nigeria cruise past Mozambique into Afcon quarter-finals: Nigeria powered into the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a dominant 4-0 victory over Mozambique in Fes, delivering their most convincing performance of the tournament so far.
The Super Eagles asserted their authority from the opening moments, with Victor Osimhen seeing an early effort ruled out for offside inside two minutes. Their pressure eventually paid off in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman curled home a composed finish from Akor Adams’ cutback to open the scoring.
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Just five minutes later, Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s advantage. Alex Iwobi drove through midfield to release Lookman, whose low cross deflected off Adams and fell kindly for Osimhen to turn in from close range.
Mozambique, appearing in the knockout stage for the first time, struggled to cope with Nigeria’s pace and movement and posed little attacking threat throughout the contest.
Osimhen struck again early in the second half, tapping in at the back post after a clever delivery from Lookman to make it 3-0 and effectively end the contest. Adams capped an impressive all-round display in the 75th minute, firing in Nigeria’s fourth following more excellent work from Lookman on the flank.
Nigeria could have added further goals as they continued to dominate, with Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan kept busy before being forced off injured late on.
The victory means Nigeria now await either Algeria or DR Congo in Saturday’s quarter-final clash in Marrakech.
Super Eagles Send Strong Title Message
After finishing runners-up to hosts Ivory Coast at the 2023 tournament, Nigeria arrived in Morocco determined to go one step further. Eric Chelle’s side entered the knockout phase with a perfect group-stage record, a feat matched only by Algeria.
This performance underlined their status as genuine title contenders, with Nigeria becoming the first team to score four goals in a single match at this year’s finals. Iwobi orchestrated play from midfield, while Lookman and Adams consistently troubled the Mozambique defence. Osimhen’s two goals will also boost confidence for the Galatasaray striker.
A first clean sheet of the tournament will provide further encouragement for the three-time champions, who had conceded four goals in the group stage.
While the Super Eagles are still seeking to repair the disappointment of missing out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup, their commanding display against Mozambique suggests they remain a formidable force on the continental stage.
Potential quarter-final opponents offer added intrigue, with a clash against DR Congo providing a chance for revenge after November’s penalty defeat, while a meeting with Algeria would revive memories of the 2019 Afcon semi-final.
