Nigeria Demolish Mozambique 4-0 to Storm into Afcon Quarter-Finals with Dominant Display

Victor Osimhen delivered a sensational two-goal performance as the Super Eagles absolutely dismantled Mozambique with a ruthless 4-0 victory in Fes, booking their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria's attacking brilliance was on full display as they tore through Mozambique's defense with relentless waves of attack, announcing themselves as serious contenders for continental glory with the tournament's first four-goal haul.

The Super Eagles came out hungry from the opening whistle, signaling their intentions within the first two minutes when talisman Osimhen had an early effort disallowed for offside—a warning shot that foreshadowed the onslaught to come.

Mozambique, appearing in their first-ever knockout stage match at the Africa Cup of Nations, simply had no answers for Nigeria's attacking force.

The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman produced a moment of magic, expertly curling home from Akor Adams' cutback to break the deadlock and send Nigerian supporters into raptures.

Just five minutes later, Nigeria doubled their advantage in devastating fashion. Alex Iwobi orchestrated a brilliant move through midfield, releasing Lookman with an incisive pass. When Lookman's dangerous cross deflected off Adams, Osimhen was perfectly positioned to turn it home and make it 2-0.

The Galatasaray striker was just getting started.

Mozambique's defenders, already overwhelmed by Nigeria's relentless pressure, offered virtually no threat going forward as they desperately tried to stem the tide.

If Mozambique hoped the halftime break would provide respite, they were badly mistaken. Early in the second half, Osimhen struck again with clinical efficiency.

Lookman, who tormented the Mozambique defense all night, delivered a clever ball across from the left to the back post where Osimhen was waiting. The striker made no mistake, tapping in to complete his brace and extend Nigeria's lead to 3-0.

The Super Eagles could have been forgiven for easing off, but Eric Chelle's side maintained their intensity, hunting for more goals with the hunger of a team making a statement to the rest of the continent.

In the 75th minute, Akor Adams crowned his outstanding individual display with Nigeria's fourth goal. Once again, it was Lookman providing the creative spark with more excellent work before Adams unleashed a powerful strike that left Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan with no chance.

The scoreline could have been even more emphatic. Nigeria continued pouring forward in search of additional goals, and Ernan was kept frantically busy before ultimately being forced off with an injury in the closing stages.

This commanding victory represents Nigeria becoming the first side to score four goals in a single match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations—a record that announces their credentials as genuine title challengers.

The Super Eagles entered the knockout stage as one of only two teams with perfect records alongside Algeria, and they've backed up that group stage form with a performance that will have the tournament's remaining teams taking notice.

Iwobi orchestrated play brilliantly from midfield, serving as the creative hub that made everything tick. Lookman and Adams were full of invention and terrorized Mozambique's backline throughout the contest, while Osimhen will have significantly boosted his confidence with two close-range finishes.

Perhaps equally important, Nigeria secured their first clean sheet in six matches at the finals after conceding four times during the group stage—a defensive improvement that will please Chelle as the competition intensifies.

Nigeria are looking to go one better than the 2023 edition where they finished as runners-up to hosts Ivory Coast. The three-time champions have painful recent memories—the last time they started an Afcon this strongly was in 2021, only to exit in the last 16 against Tunisia.

This time feels different. The attacking chemistry, defensive solidity, and sheer confidence radiating from this Super Eagles squad suggests they're determined not to repeat past disappointments.

However, there's another layer of motivation driving Nigeria. Their sensational Afcon performance may not be enough to erase the bitter disappointment felt by fans over the team's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup—a devastating blow for one of Africa's football powerhouses.

Nigeria now await either Algeria or DR Congo in Saturday's quarter-final showdown in Marrakech (16:00 GMT).

A potential meeting with DR Congo would offer the Super Eagles a chance for revenge after the Leopards beat them on penalties in the continent's World Cup play-off final in November—the very defeat that cost Nigeria their place at the global showpiece.

Alternatively, a clash with Algeria would produce a repeat of the 2019 Afcon semi-final, which the North Africans won. Either matchup promises to be explosive.

Ademola Lookman was simply unplayable, notching his third goal of the tournament while providing constant creative danger. The forward's movement, vision, and technical quality made him Mozambique's worst nightmare.

Victor Osimhen reminded everyone why he's considered one of Africa's most lethal strikers. His two goals—both showcasing his predatory instincts in the box—will have defenders throughout the tournament sleeping uneasily.

Akor Adams produced a performance full of intelligent movement and tireless running before capping it with a thunderous finish. His goal and overall contribution demonstrated Nigeria's attacking depth.

Alex Iwobi deserves enormous credit for pulling strings from midfield, dictating tempo and launching attacks with precision passing that carved open Mozambique repeatedly.

For Ghanaian football fans watching this demolition, it serves as both inspiration and challenge. Ghana's Black Stars, four-time Afcon champions themselves, will be watching Nigeria's resurgence with interest, knowing that West African football pride is at stake.

The Super Eagles' dominant form raises the bar for all African teams and demonstrates the continent's football quality to the watching world.

With attacking firepower this potent and defensive improvements evident, Nigeria are positioning themselves as favorites to lift the trophy. But Afcon has a history of producing surprises, and the quarter-finals represent where dreams either flourish or die.

Saturday's showdown in Marrakech will reveal whether this Super Eagles squad has the mental fortitude to match their undeniable talent.

One thing is certain: after this emphatic statement victory, the rest of the continent has been put on notice—Nigeria means business at Afcon 2025.