Nigeria powered into the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a ruthless 4–0 win over Mozambique in Fes, delivering the most emphatic performance of the knockout stage so far.
The Super Eagles dominated from the opening whistle and thought they had scored inside two minutes, only for Victor Osimhen’s effort to be ruled offside. Nigeria stayed on the front foot, pinning Mozambique deep and forcing repeated defensive errors.
Their breakthrough came in the 20th minute. Ademola Lookman curled a composed finish into the corner after Akor Adams’ low cutback found him unmarked in the box.
Five minutes later, Osimhen doubled the lead. Alex Iwobi surged through midfield, released Lookman, and his driven cross deflected kindly for Osimhen to turn home from close range.
Nigeria’s Attack Overwhelms Mozambique
Mozambique, playing their first-ever Afcon knockout match, struggled to cope with Nigeria’s pace and movement. They offered little attacking threat and spent most of the contest chasing shadows.
Nigeria struck again early in the second half. Lookman slipped a precise ball across the face of goal, and Osimhen arrived at the back post to tap in his second goal of the night.
Akor Adams completed the rout in the 75th minute. After another incisive Nigerian move, he fired past goalkeeper Ernan, who later left the pitch injured after sustained pressure.
The Super Eagles could have scored more. Mozambique’s defense repeatedly cracked under Nigeria’s relentless forward play.
Super Eagles Lay Down Tournament Marker
Eric Chelle’s side became the first team to score four goals in a single match at the 2025 finals. The victory also delivered Nigeria’s first clean sheet of the tournament after conceding four goals in the group stage.
Ademola Lookman once again picked up the Man of the Match
Iwobi controlled the tempo from midfield, while Lookman and Adams tormented Mozambique’s back line with constant movement. Osimhen’s two goals will further boost confidence as Nigeria chase a fourth continental title.
Nigeria now await either Algeria or DR Congo in Saturday’s quarterfinal in Marrakech. Both opponents carry recent history.
DR Congo eliminated Nigeria on penalties in November’s continental play-off final, while Algeria beat them in the 2019 Afcon semi-final.
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