Nigeria’s Super Eagles produced one of the most authoritative performances of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night, sweeping aside Mozambique 4–0 in Fès to book a place in the quarter-finals of the AFCON Morocco 2025.
It was a dominant clash display as the Super Eagles overwhelmed the Mambas, underpinned by purpose, direction, urgency and clinical execution, from the early hours of the match and never looked back.
The 4–0 victory not only sealed Nigeria’s place in the quarter-finals but also wrote history at AFCON 2025.
The Super Eagles became the first team to score four goals in a single match at the tournament and have now netted 12 goals in total, averaging three goals per game.
Flying Start from the Super Eagles
Nigeria announced themselves at the blow of the whistle and in no time, asserted their dominance against Mozambique.
Just two minutes into the contest, Victor Osimhen, earning his 50th senior cap for Nigeria, thought he had given the Super Eagles an early lead after turning home a cross from Bright Osayi-Samuel.
However, celebrations were cut short as the effort was ruled out for offside. The disallowed goal only served as a warning.
Nigeria continued to press with intensity and confidence, pinning Mozambique deep in their own half.
Semi Ajayi Close as Pressure Mounts
Defender Semi Ajayi, returning to the starting line-up after missing the 3–1 victory over Uganda, came close to opening the scoring after 10 minutes.
The centre-back, who had already scored Nigeria’s first goal of the tournament earlier in the competition, rose highest to meet a set-piece but saw his powerful header saved by the Mozambican goalkeeper.
Nigeria’s dominance was becoming overwhelming, and the breakthrough was inevitable.
Ademola Lookman Breaks the Deadlock
After 15 minutes of sustained pressure, Mozambique finally cracked. Alex Iwobi split the defense with a superb pass to Akor Adams, who surged forward before delivering a precise cross into the box.
Ademola Lookman reacted sharply, hooking the ball into the net to give Nigeria a deserved 1–0 lead.
It was Lookman’s third goal of the tournament and further evidence of his growing influence in Nigeria’s attacking play.
Victor Osimhen Strikes as Iwobi Orchestrates
Five minutes later, Nigeria doubled their advantage. Once again, Alex Iwobi was the architect, picking out Lookman on the left flank.
The forward showed great awareness and composure to connect brilliantly with Victor Osimhen, who made no mistake from close range.
The goal was Osimhen’s 33rd in 50 appearances for Nigeria, underlining his status as the team’s talisman.
Iwobi nearly added his own name to the scoresheet in the 37th minute, but the Mozambican goalkeeper denied him with a smart save, pushing the effort out for a corner.
Second-Half Statement as Osimhen Closes on Yekini
The three-time African champions began the second half with the same intensity that defined the opening period, and this time, Osimhen’s goal stood.
Just two minutes after the restart, Lookman once again turned provider, twisting past Mozambican defenders and laying the ball perfectly into Osimhen’s path.
The striker drove his shot into the net for Nigeria’s third goal and his 34th at international level, leaving him just three goals shy of Rashidi Yekini’s all-time Nigerian record of 37.
Four minutes later, it almost became 4–0 when Osayi-Samuel unleashed a fierce drive from the edge of the box, narrowly missing the target.
Akor Adams Caps a Complete Rout
Nigeria’s relentless attacking play was rewarded again with 15 minutes remaining, when, Ademola Lookman delivered a textbook pass into the box.
Akor Adams made no mistake, hammering the ball into the roof of the net for Nigeria’s fourth goal.
It was Adams’ first goal at the Africa Cup of Nations and his third overall for Nigeria, capping an impressive all-round performance.
Lookman himself came close to adding a fifth in the 78th minute with a powerful effort that narrowly missed, while substitute Raphael Onyedika also went close late on with an angled shot that flashed wide.
Osimhen–Lookman Partnership Continues to Flourish
Central to Nigeria’s impressive run has been the devastating partnership between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
Osimhen now has three goals and one assist in the tournament, while Lookman has contributed three goals and three assists.
Their chemistry, movement and intelligent interplay have transformed Nigeria’s attack and established the Super Eagles as one of the most feared sides remaining in the competition.
Read More: AFCON2025: Osimhen Shares His Experience at a First Time Super Eagles Captain
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Quarter-Final Awaiting in Marrakech
The victory sends Nigeria into a quarter-final showdown against the winner of Tuesday’s Round of 16 clash between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria.
That encounter will take place in Rabat, with Nigeria’s quarter-final scheduled for Saturday at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.
