Nigeria booked a convincing place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a dominant 4-0 victory over Mozambique in their round-of-16 encounter on Monday night in Fes.
The emphatic result underlined Nigeria’s growing confidence and attacking sharpness as the tournament enters its decisive phase, further establishing the Super Eagles as one of the leading contenders for the title.
The three-time champions delivered one of their most complete performances of the tournament at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, overwhelming the Mambas with pace, movement and clinical finishing.
From the opening whistle, Nigeria dictated proceedings, pressing aggressively, moving the ball with purpose and pinning Mozambique deep in their own half for long stretches of the game.
Victor Osimhen scored twice, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams were also on the scoresheet as Eric Chelle’s side advanced with authority.
The attacking trio caused constant problems for the Mozambican defence, combining effectively and capitalising on spaces created by Nigeria’s quick transitions.
Early control sets the tone
Osimhen found the net inside two minutes, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
Despite the early setback, the Super Eagles remained composed and continued to pile pressure on their opponents.
The Super Eagles continued to apply pressure, with Alex Iwobi forcing an early save from goalkeeper Ernan after a strike from distance.
Nigeria’s dominance soon translated into a deserved breakthrough as their midfield and forward lines worked in sync to pull Mozambique out of shape.
The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute. Iwobi split the defence with a precise pass to Akor Adams, who cut the ball back for Lookman to finish calmly inside the area.
The opening goal further boosted Nigeria’s confidence, with the Super Eagles increasing the tempo and stretching Mozambique across the pitch.
Five minutes later, Nigeria doubled their advantage as Iwobi again picked out Lookman, whose driven cross deflected kindly into Osimhen’s path for a close-range finish.
Mozambique struggled to cope with Nigeria’s intensity, while Chelle’s men controlled possession and tempo for the remainder of the half.
Adams and Lookman both passed up opportunities to extend the lead before the interval.
At half-time, Nigeria headed into the break firmly in control, having limited Mozambique to few meaningful chances.
Osimhen and Adams complete the job
Nigeria effectively ended the contest moments after the restart. Lookman once again proved decisive, weaving into the box before squaring for Osimhen to tap in his second goal of the night and third of the tournament, making it 3-0.
The early second-half strike deflated Mozambique and gave Nigeria the freedom to play with confidence and composure.
With Mozambique stretched, Nigeria continued to create chances. The fourth goal arrived in the 75th minute, with Lookman turning provider yet again, this time setting up Adams, who rifled a powerful effort into the roof of the net.
The goal capped off an impressive all-round display from the Super Eagles, highlighting their attacking depth and teamwork.
The Super Eagles could have added further goals in the closing stages but eased off as the match drew to a close, having already put the result beyond doubt.
The win took Nigeria’s tally to 12 goals in the competition, the highest of any team so far.
Quarter-final test awaits
Mozambique bowed out of the tournament, unable to contain Nigeria’s attacking depth.
For the Super Eagles, attention now turns to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the round-of-16 tie between Algeria and DR Congo on Saturday, January 10.
With momentum on their side, Nigeria will be aiming to build on this dominant performance as they continue their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title.