Nigeria delivered a resounding statement of intent at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, sweeping aside Mozambique 4-0 in Fes to book their place in the quarter-finals. The Super Eagles, three-time continental champions and pre-match favorites, lived up to their billing with a dominant display from start to finish, making history as they notched their fourth consecutive win at an AFCON tournament for the first time ever.
The build-up to this round of 16 clash was steeped in narrative. Mozambique, the so-called underdogs, were making their first-ever appearance in the knockout stages after a breakthrough group campaign. Their journey to this point had already been historic, but they faced a daunting task: overcoming a Nigerian side that had never lost to them in AFCON history, boasting four wins and a draw in previous encounters. Nigeria, meanwhile, were determined to avoid a repeat of their shock 2021 last-16 exit and to banish any lingering ghosts from that campaign.
Coach Eric Chelle, under immense pressure to deliver, made no secret of the stakes. As he put it before the match, "We are here for something bigger and better. We will not get ahead of ourselves and think we are the best. We will continue to work hard and stay focused for every match as it comes." The Super Eagles’ boss knew anything less than victory would not be tolerated by fans or federation alike.
The match itself began at a frantic pace. Within two minutes, Victor Osimhen—the Napoli striker and Nigeria’s talisman—had already found the back of the net, only to see his effort ruled out for offside. But the early warning shot set the tone for what was to come. Nigeria’s relentless attacking pressure soon paid dividends. In the 20th minute, Akor Adams—whose tireless running and hold-up play have been crucial all tournament—cut the ball back for Ademola Lookman, who curled a sublime finish into the top corner to open the scoring.
Just five minutes later, Nigeria doubled their lead. Alex Iwobi, praised after the match for being "at the heart of everything," sliced through the Mozambican midfield before releasing Lookman down the left. Lookman’s ball across the box took a deflection off Adams and found Osimhen, who made no mistake from close range. Mozambique, already facing an uphill battle, found themselves two goals down before the half-hour mark and were struggling to contain the Super Eagles’ fluid attack.
Mozambique’s plan was clear—sit deep, stay compact, and try to catch Nigeria on the break. Yet, any hopes of a comeback faded rapidly as Nigeria’s defense, marshaled by Stanley Nwabali in goal and a back line featuring Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi, kept the Mambas at bay. The Mozambicans, who had scored four goals in the group stage, rarely threatened, with Ivane Urrubal in their goal kept busy throughout the match.
After the break, Nigeria picked up right where they left off. Early in the second half, Lookman again turned provider, whipping in a clever cross from the left that found Osimhen at the back post. The striker coolly slotted home his second of the night, putting the result beyond doubt and sending the Nigerian fans into raptures.
Akor Adams, who had already assisted twice, finally got the goal his performance deserved in the 75th minute. After more good work from Lookman, Adams powered a right-footed shot into the roof of the net—his first of the tournament. The Sevilla striker’s unselfish play and relentless energy have made him one of the understated heroes of Nigeria’s AFCON campaign so far.
As the match wound down, Nigeria’s depth was on full display. Chelle made a flurry of substitutions, bringing on the likes of Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze to keep legs fresh and protect key players from potential suspensions. Indeed, discipline became a late talking point, with three Nigerian players—including Calvin Bassey—receiving yellow cards. Bassey’s caution, picked up in stoppage time, could yet have ramifications for the Super Eagles as the tournament progresses.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Mozambique can hold their heads high. This campaign marked a series of firsts for the Mambas, and their run to the last 16 will be remembered as a breakthrough for the nation. Still, on the night, they were simply outclassed by a Nigerian side firing on all cylinders.
With this victory, Nigeria became the first team at this year’s AFCON to score four goals in a single game, bringing their tournament tally to 12—two more than the next most prolific team, Senegal. Yet, as noted by observers, 11 teams have conceded fewer goals, a statistic Chelle and his staff will no doubt be keen to address ahead of sterner tests.
Individual accolades are also in sight. Ademola Lookman, with three goals and four assists at this tournament, has more direct goal involvements than any other player at AFCON 2025. If he keeps up this form, he’ll surely be in the running for the Golden Boot, and perhaps even the Golden Ball. Osimhen, too, continues to burnish his reputation as one of Africa’s premier strikers, while Alex Iwobi’s influence in midfield cannot be overstated.
Looking ahead, Nigeria now turn their attention to Saturday’s quarter-final in Marrakech, where they will face the winner of Algeria versus DR Congo. The Super Eagles will be brimming with confidence, but as Chelle cautioned before the Mozambique tie, there’s no room for complacency at this stage of the competition. The ghosts of past disappointments still linger, and every match from here on out is a potential banana skin.
For now, though, Nigeria can savor a near-perfect performance: a convincing win, a clean sheet, and a squad firing on all cylinders. The Super Eagles have put the rest of Africa on notice—this team is on a mission, and they’re taking some stopping. Mozambique, meanwhile, exit with pride, having broken new ground and shown that the gap between Africa’s so-called minnows and giants is narrowing, even if the gulf was clear on this occasion.
