Nigeria’s Super Eagles have underlined their title credentials at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a comprehensive 4–0 dismantling of Mozambique, booking their place in the quarter-finals with authority and control in Fès.
Coming into the Round of 16 encounter on the back of a flawless group-stage campaign, Nigeria wasted no time asserting dominance against a Mozambican side making history with their first-ever knockout-stage appearance at the tournament. While Mozambique entered the fixture buoyed by their qualification as one of the best third-placed teams from Group F, the gulf in tempo, technical quality, and tactical cohesion quickly became evident.
From the opening exchanges, the Super Eagles dictated proceedings, pressing high, circulating the ball with purpose, and stretching Mozambique’s defensive shape. That early pressure translated into a breakthrough in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman calmly finished off a well-worked move, converting a precise assist from Akor Adams.
Nigeria’s intensity did not dip after the opener. Just five minutes later, Victor Osimhen doubled the lead, capitalising on sustained attacking pressure and further destabilising the Mozambican back line. The forward partnership between Osimhen, Lookman, and Adams proved too dynamic to contain, with Nigeria repeatedly finding space between the lines.
The second half resumed in the same vein. Barely two minutes after the restart, Lookman turned provider once again, delivering a measured pass that allowed Osimhen to slot home his second goal of the night, effectively ending the contest before Mozambique could mount any form of response.
Akor Adams capped off Nigeria’s dominant display in the 75th minute, finishing clinically to make it four and put the result beyond all doubt. By that stage, the Super Eagles were firmly in cruise control, managing possession and tempo while Mozambique struggled to register any meaningful attacking threat.
In midfield, captain Wilfred Ndidi anchored proceedings with authority, supported by the energy of Frank Onyeka and the creativity of Alex Iwobi. At the back, Stanley Nwabali enjoyed a largely untroubled evening, shielded by a disciplined defensive line comprising Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and Bruno Onyemaechi, all of whom maintained their shape and concentration throughout.
Nigeria’s technical bench also played its part, with second-half substitutions allowing the squad to maintain intensity without losing structure. Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze were introduced for Akor Adams and Lookman, while Tom Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika replaced Onyeka and Ndidi as the Super Eagles refreshed their midfield engine room. Moses Simon later came on for Osimhen, adding further pace out wide.
The statistics told a clear story. By the 80th minute, Nigeria had recorded eight shots on target, while Mozambique failed to test Nwabali even once, highlighting the one-sided nature of the contest.
With the emphatic victory, the Super Eagles march into the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals brimming with confidence, momentum firmly on their side as they continue their pursuit of a fourth continental title. Nigeria will next face the winner of the Round of 16 tie between Algeria and DR Congo, in what promises to be a sterner examination of their championship ambitions.
