Nigeria Dominates Mozambique 4-0 to Reach AFCON Quarterfinals

omidbasir- FES, Morocco — Nigeria’s national football team showcased an impressive performance, defeating Mozambique 4-0 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations. The match, played in rainy conditions in Fes, featured a goal from Ademola Lookman, two from Victor Osimhen, and a powerful strike from Akor Adams, solidifying Nigeria’s status as a formidable contender in the tournament.

The Super Eagles will next travel to Marrakesh, where they will face either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo, who are scheduled to compete in Rabat on Tuesday.

Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute, finishing brilliantly into the roof of the net following a cross from Adams. Just five minutes later, Osimhen doubled the lead with a close-range effort. This was followed by another goal from Osimhen shortly after the second half began, putting Nigeria firmly in control of the match.

Adams capped the victory with a fourth goal, marking the Eagles’ equalization of their record for the most goals scored in a single AFCON campaign, matching the 12 goals scored during their runner-up finish in 2000. This emphatic victory served as a clear statement of Nigeria’s championship aspirations.

Nigeria’s performance was characterized by creativity, attacking flair, and strategic play, echoing their dominant showing in the group stages, where they emerged as the tournament’s highest scorers.

From the outset, the match was decidedly one-sided, with Mozambique’s Bruno Langa clearing a potential goal off the line in the sixth minute, as Semi Ajayi connected with Lookman’s corner. However, Nigeria quickly asserted their dominance.

In the 20th minute, Alex Iwobi demonstrated his creative prowess by threading a pass to Adams on the left flank. Adams delivered a precise cross to Lookman, whose deft finish evaded Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan Siluane.

Lookman turned provider for Nigeria’s second goal as he exploited Mozambique’s right flank once more. His cross, which took a slight deflection off Adams, found Osimhen at the back post, allowing the former to tap it in and solidify Nigeria’s stronghold on the match.

Despite opportunities to increase their lead before halftime, including attempts from Adams and Iwobi, Nigeria could not convert. Adams narrowly missed scoring just before the break, sending a shot wide after bypassing Renildo Mandava.

Moments into the second half, Nigeria extended their lead again, taking advantage of a defensive change by Mozambique. Lookman’s cross found Osimhen, who netted his second of the match in the 47th minute.

As the second half progressed, Nigeria continued to threaten, with Lookman creating multiple chances. Adams elicited a spectacular save from Siluane in the 64th minute, before finally scoring his first goal of the tournament shortly thereafter, smashing the ball past Siluane, who had been replaced due to a possible injury.

Late in the match, Urrubal, Siluane’s replacement, was called into action to block a shot from Moses Simon. Meanwhile, Raphael Onyedika, another substitute, missed a chance to extend the lead further.

Coach Eric Chelle utilized this match to rotate his squad, resting key players ahead of the upcoming quarterfinal. Despite a brief on-field disagreement between Osimhen and Lookman, Nigeria’s knockout performance remained largely flawless.