Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered a dominant performance on Monday, dismantling Mozambique 4–0 to book a place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Victor Osimhen was the standout performer, scoring twice as Nigeria made light work of their opponents in the last-16 clash played in Fes. Ademola Lookman opened the scoring and later played a key role in setting up the other goals, while Akor Adams completed the rout.
Lookman gave Nigeria the lead in the 20th minute, finishing calmly after a fine build-up involving Alex Iwobi and Adams. Five minutes later, Osimhen doubled the advantage, poking home from close range after Lookman’s cross was flicked on by Adams. The Napoli striker, who began the match without his trademark protective mask, donned it again shortly before finding the net.
Osimhen struck again just after the restart, sweeping home Lookman’s low cross in the 47th minute to put the result beyond doubt. Adams added the fourth goal with 15 minutes remaining, rifling a powerful shot into the roof of the net after another assist from the impressive Lookman.
The emphatic victory represents Nigeria’s biggest winning margin in an AFCON knockout match since Egypt’s 4–0 demolition of Algeria at the 2010 semi-finals in Angola.
Determined to atone for their failure to qualify for the World Cup, the Super Eagles now march on to a quarter-final showdown on Saturday in Marrakesh against either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo, who meet in their own last-16 tie on Tuesday.
Mozambique, appearing in the knockout stage of the AFCON for the first time after qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams, were no match for a Nigerian side that blended flair, physicality, and clinical finishing.
With Osimhen rediscovering his scoring touch and Lookman in inspired form, Nigeria’s title ambitions appear firmly back on track.
