Nigeria produced a commanding performance to end Mozambique’s fairytale run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, cruising to a comprehensive 4–0 victory in the Round of 16 and underlining their credentials as serious title contenders.
The 2023 runners-up, chasing their first AFCON crown since 2013, were in complete control from the opening whistle, recording their fourth consecutive win of the tournament for the first time in their AFCON history.
First-Half Dominance
The Super Eagles signalled their intent early, with Victor Osimhen seeing a goal ruled out for offside inside the opening two minutes. Alex Iwobi tested the goalkeeper soon after, while a series of blocked efforts reflected Nigeria’s relentless pressure.
The breakthrough arrived after 20 minutes when Ademola Lookman rifled a clinical finish into the top corner from inside the penalty area for his third goal of the tournament.
Nigeria doubled their advantage just five minutes later. Lookman’s teasing delivery was cleverly glanced on by Akor Adams, allowing Osimhen to tap into an unguarded net at the back post.
Osimhen went close to extending the lead with a flicked header, Wilfred Ndidi fired wide from distance, while Mozambique squandered a rare opportunity when Faisal Bangal headed off target from close range.
Second-Half Control and Ruthless Finishing
Éric Chelle’s side resumed the second half in the same dominant fashion. Osimhen grabbed his second goal of the night, once again benefiting from Lookman’s creativity as he met a pinpoint cross at the back post to finish with ease.
Nigeria continued to press. Bright Osayi-Samuel narrowly missed the target before seeing another effort saved by Ernan Siluane, while Lookman was unlucky not to score from the rebound.
The fourth goal arrived to cap a flawless display. After earlier chances, Akor Adams finally got on the scoresheet, skipping past his marker and smashing a powerful effort into the near top corner following Lookman’s lay-off.
Statement Win
The emphatic victory equals Nigeria’s joint-largest AFCON winning margin, matching their 4–0 triumph over South Africa in 2004. It also extends their unbeaten run against Mozambique and sets up a quarter-final showdown with either Algeria or DR Congo.
With attacking fluency, defensive solidity and depth across the pitch, the Super Eagles sent a clear message to the rest of the continent.
