The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco witnessed a statement of intent from Nigeria’s Super Eagles as they dismantled Mozambique with a clinical 4-0 victory in their Round of 16 encounter. Under the heavy rainfall at the Fez Stadium, the three-time African champions produced their most dominant display of the tournament, led by a brace from star striker Victor Osimhen and masterclass performances from Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams.
Nigeria’s intent was clear from the opening whistle. Within the first two minutes, Victor Osimhen found the back of the net, though the celebration was short-lived as the linesman’s flag correctly ruled the effort out for offside. Undeterred, the Super Eagles continued to apply relentless pressure. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 20th minute. Alex Iwobi, orchestrating play from the midfield, released Akor Adams on the left flank; Adams’ precise cut-back found Ademola Lookman, who fired a clinical finish into the top-right corner to open the scoring.
The momentum shifted entirely in Nigeria’s favor just five minutes later. Lookman, turning provider, delivered a cross that was delicately flicked on by Adams, allowing Osimhen to tap in from close range at the back post. The goal was significant not just for the match, but for history, as it marked Osimhen’s 33rd goal for the national team on his 50th appearance, bringing him closer to Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record of 37.
The second half began with the same intensity. Only two minutes after the restart, Nigeria effectively ended the contest. Lookman showed brilliant footwork to dance down the left byline before squaring the ball for Osimhen, who was once again in the right place to secure his second of the night and Nigeria’s third.
Mozambique, making their historic first appearance in an AFCON knockout stage, struggled to find a response. The “Mambas” were unable to register a single shot on target throughout the match, stifled by a disciplined Nigerian defense led by Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi.
The scoring was capped in the 75th minute by Akor Adams. The Sevilla forward, who had already provided two assists, finally got his name on the scoresheet with an emphatic strike into the near top corner after a swift counter-attack. The 4-0 result equaled Nigeria’s biggest-ever winning margin in an AFCON match, matching a similar feat against South Africa in 2004.
Beyond the scoreline, the match highlighted the deepening chemistry between Nigeria’s front three. Lookman, the Man of the Match, finished with a goal and two assists, while Adams mirrored that tally with his own goal and two assists. Coach Eric Chelle’s decision to restore his stars to the starting lineup after rotating for the final group game proved inspired.
With this victory, the Super Eagles have won four consecutive matches at the start of an AFCON for the first time in their history. They now advance to the quarter-finals in Marrakech, where they will face either Algeria or DR Congo on Saturday. As the tournament reaches its business end, Nigeria’s “fighting spirit,” as Osimhen described it before the game, appears to be peaking at exactly the right moment.
