The Super Eagles delivered a statement performance on Monday night, thrashing Mozambique 4–0 to storm into the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, as Nigeria’s World Cup qualification disappointment continued to fuel a ruthless title push.
Victor Osimhen struck twice while Ademola Lookman produced a goal and two assists in a dominant last-16 encounter at the Sports Complex Stadium in Fes, where Nigeria overwhelmed a Mozambican side making its maiden appearance in the AFCON knockout stage.
Lookman set the tone midway through the first half, finishing coolly in the 20th minute after Akor Adams latched onto Alex Iwobi’s incisive through ball and cut the ball back into the danger area.
Five minutes later, the Atalanta forward turned provider, whipping in a cross that Adams helped on for Osimhen to poke home from close range.
The Napoli striker, who had briefly ditched his trademark protective mask at kick-off before putting it back on, survived a crunching challenge from Witi and returned after the break to extinguish any lingering hopes of a Mozambique comeback.
Osimhen swept in Lookman’s low cross in the 47th minute to make it 3–0, taking his tally at the tournament to three goals.
Nigeria’s dominance was sealed with 15 minutes remaining when Lookman again unlocked the defence, laying the ball into the path of Adams, who rifled a fierce finish into the roof of the net for the fourth.
The emphatic win stands as the biggest margin in an AFCON knockout match since Egypt crushed Algeria 4–0 in the 2010 semi-finals, underlining the Super Eagles’ growing confidence and cutting edge.
Coach Eric Chelle, who rotated his squad heavily in the group stage, recalled several key players for the contest, a decision that paid immediate dividends as Nigeria controlled possession, pressed aggressively and exposed Mozambique’s defensive frailties.
Nigeria will now face either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo in Saturday’s quarter-final in Marrakesh.
A potential meeting with DR Congo would offer the Super Eagles an opportunity to avenge their penalty shootout defeat to the Leopards in a World Cup qualifying play-off last November.
For Mozambique, the defeat brought a swift end to a historic AFCON run, but for Nigeria, the convincing victory has reinforced their credentials as serious contenders for continental glory.
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