Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman delivered a dominant display as Nigeria cruised into the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals, dismantling Mozambique 4–0 in rain-soaked Fes, Morocco, on Monday night.
Goals from Lookman, a brace from Osimhen, and a late strike by Akor Adams underlined the Super Eagles’ attacking firepower as they sent a clear message to the rest of the tournament.
Early Control Sets the Tone
Nigeria asserted control from the opening minutes and nearly took the lead inside six minutes, when Semi Ajayi’s header from a Lookman corner was cleared off the line by Bruno Langa.
The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute. Alex Iwobi, once again orchestrating play from midfield, slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Adams down the left. The Sevilla forward delivered a low cross that Lookman rifled into the roof of the net, leaving goalkeeper Ernan Siluane helpless.
Osimhen Strikes Twice
Five minutes later, Mozambique were punished again. Lookman turned provider, crossing from the left as the ball glanced off Adams and fell invitingly for Osimhen, who finished from close range to double Nigeria’s lead.
The Galatasaray striker struck again just two minutes into the second half. A defensive reshuffle at right-back proved costly for Mozambique, as Lookman surged forward and Osimhen tapped into an empty net after Siluane failed to deal with the cross.
Nigeria Turn on the Style
With the game effectively decided, Nigeria continued to attack with confidence and flair. Iwobi, Ndidi and Adams all went close, while Lookman remained a constant threat across the frontline.
The fourth goal finally arrived in the 64th minute. Released again by Lookman, Adams showed strength and composure before smashing a right-footed effort past Siluane, sealing a commanding victory.
Statement Performance From Tournament’s Top Scorers
The win saw Nigeria equal their highest-ever AFCON goal tally in a single tournament (12) — matching their output from the 2000 edition, when they finished runners-up.
Eric Chelle’s side continue to stand out as the competition’s most prolific attack, combining creativity, pace, and clinical finishing as they move deeper into the knockout stages.
Eyes on the Quarterfinals
Nigeria now travel to Marrakesh, where they will face either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo in Saturday’s quarterfinal. With squad rotation already underway and confidence soaring, the Super Eagles look increasingly like genuine title contenders.
Even a brief on-field disagreement between Osimhen and Lookman late on failed to overshadow what was otherwise a near-perfect knockout performance from one of AFCON’s most dangerous sides.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
