The Super Eagles cruised into the quarter-finals of AFCON 2025 with an emphatic 4–0 win over Mozambique in their Round of 16 encounter in Fès on Monday.
Nigeria, who topped Group C with a flawless record, picked up where they left off, dominating proceedings against a Mozambican side making its first-ever appearance at this stage of the tournament. The Mambas struggled to contain the Super Eagles’ intensity, movement and attacking quality throughout the contest.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman calmly finished from close range after being set up by Akor Adams. Nigeria doubled their lead five minutes later as Victor Osimhen pounced to make it 2–0, capitalising on sustained pressure.
Shortly after the restart, Lookman turned provider again, threading a pass to Osimhen, who clinically made it 3–0 in the 47th minute. Akor Adams completed the rout in the 75th minute, capping a dominant Nigerian display with the fourth goal.
Wilfred Ndidi led by example in midfield alongside Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, while Stanley Nwabali returned between the posts. The defensive unit of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi remained solid, denying Mozambique any clear opportunity.
Head coach Eric Chelle rotated his squad in the second half, introducing Paul Onuachu, Samuel Chukwueze, Tom Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika and Moses Simon to manage the game and preserve energy for the next round.
By the 80th minute, Nigeria had recorded eight shots on target, while Mozambique failed to register a single effort that troubled Nwabali.
The convincing victory keeps Nigeria’s title charge firmly on course as they continue their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations crown. The Super Eagles will now face the winner of the quarter-final tie between Algeria and DR Congo.
