Nigeria booked their spot in the last eight at the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco with a dominant 4-0 win over Mozambique, SportPremi Reports.
The Super Eagles dominated the Round of 16 clash at the Fez Stadium and scored four times to record the biggest win so far in the edition of the tournament.
Victor Osimhen (2), Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams were all on the scoresheet in the impressive win, while Mozambique crashed out of the competition.
First half: Lookman and Osimhen fire Nigeria ahead
Nigeria had rested several players in the 3-1 win over Uganda in their final group match, but Eric Chelle recalled the regulars ahead of the tie against Mozambique.
The Mambas had finished third in group F and were playing in the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
After a brief delay, the game kicked off with the Super Eagles dominating proceedings and scored inside two minutes through Osimhen, but the strike was correctly ruled out for offside. It was the striker’s third disallowed goal at the tournament so far, the most of any player.
Alex Iwobi then narrowly missed the target with a good effort, before Semi Ajayi had a header blocked as Nigeria exerted their dominance on the clash.
The three-time champions grabbed the lead in the 20th minute inside the rainy stadium after a fine team move.
Iwobi produced a defence splitting pass to Akor Adams, who crossed for Lookman to fire home into the back of the net for his third goal of the tournament.
The lead was doubled minutes later as Iwobi played a superb no-look pass to Lookman, who crossed into the box and Osimhen applied the finishing touch at the back post.
The Super Eagles continued to dominate the clash and wasted several other efforts to add to their tally as the first half ended 2-0.
Second half: Osimhen and Adams seal dominant Super Eagles win over Mozambique
It took only two minutes into the second half for Nigeria to score their third of the game through talisman Osimhen, who bagged his second of the game and third of the tournament.
The Galatasaray striker got on the end of a cross from Lookman and tapped into the net despite the best efforts of Mozambique’s Bruno Langa.
Both Nigerian players were then involved in a heated exchange few minutes later, before Osimhen came off for Moses Simon later.
The Super Eagles grabbed their fourth goal of the game, becoming the first team to do so at the 2025 AFCON, as the impressive Adams fired home an unstoppable effort after another assist from Lookman.
The clash ended 4-0 in favour of Nigeria, who progressed to the next stage in Morocco with a statement performance.
Nigeria Players Ratings:
- Nwabali – 7.2/10
The goalkeeper was calm in goal, but was rarely tested as Nigeria kept their first clean sheet of the tournament.
- Osayi-Samuel – 7.7/10
Defended very well and joined the attack when needed as well.
- Onyemaechi – 7.4/10
The left-back enjoyed another decent shift and barely put a foot wrong.
- Bassey – 7.7/10
Helped marshal the defence as Nigeria kept their first clean sheet in Morocco.
- Ajayi – 7.3/10
The defender returned to the lineup and was very efficient at the back
- Onyeka – 7.2/10
A very impressive performance from the midfielder and he won the most fouls in the match (4).
- Ndidi – 7.5/10
The Super Eagles captain provided stability in midfield in another impressive shift.
- Iwobi – 7.7/10
Unlucky not to grab an assist, but he played a key role in Nigeria’s first two goals and also completed the most passes in the clash.
- Adams – 9.1/10
The forward finally got his maiden AFCON goal, but had provided two assists before the strike.
- Lookman – 9.3/10
The winger showed his worth once more with a goal and two assists to lead Nigeria to victory. He also created the most chances in the match.
- Osimhen – 8.9/10
The main man got a brace on the night to take his tally to three at the tournament.
Substitutes
- Simon – 6.5/10
He helped to inject pace into the attack after coming on for Osimhen
- Onyedika – 6.0/10
Came on later in the game and had an effort off target.
- Dele-Bashiru – 6.0/10
The midfielder was a late substitute and had little time to make an impact.
- Chukwueze – n/a
- Onuachu – n/a
Man of the match
Ademola Lookman (9.3/10) – The Nigerian forward grabbed a goal and two assists in the clash, taking his goal contributions to seven so far at the tournament.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Nigeria 62% – 38% Mozambique
Total Shots: Nigeria 22 – 2 Mozambique
Shots on target: Nigeria 9 – 0 Mozambique
Pass Accuracy: Nigeria 90% – 79% Mozambique
Corners: Nigeria 5 – 0 Mozambique
What Next?
Nigeria advance to the quarterfinals in Morocco and will find out their opponent from the Round of 16 tie between Algeria and DR Congo later tomorrow.
