AFCON: Nigeria Thrash Mozambique to Reach Quarter-finals

Nigeria underlined their credentials as leading contenders for the Africa Cup of Nations title with a dominant 4–0 victory over Mozambique at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, to cruise into the quarterfinals of AFCON Morocco 2025.

With 12 goals scored and four conceded across four matches, and playing a confident, swashbuckling brand of football that was a trademark from previous generations, the Super Eagles – runners-up at the last edition in Côte d’Ivoire – have already laid down a marker as standout favourites in Morocco.

Already perfect through the group stage with three wins from three, The Super Eagles extended that flawless run in the round of 16, dismantling Mozambique without ever needing to reach top gear. The result marked Nigeria’s fourth straight victory of the tournament and reinforced their status as one of the competition’s most complete sides.

Nigeria kicked off their campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania, followed by a crucial 3–2 win against Tunisia, one of the tournament’s traditional heavyweights, before sealing top spot with a 3–1 triumph over Uganda.

The Super Eagles will now face either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarterfinals, with that heavyweight tie to be confirmed on Tuesday. On current form, however, few teams will relish meeting a side combining defensive solidity, attacking depth and tournament know-how.

The intent from the Nigeria national football team was clear from the opening moments. Just two minutes in, Victor Osimhen thought he had opened the scoring, only for VAR to rule the effort out for offside. The warning went unheeded. Nigeria continued to press with composure and control, pinning Mozambique back and dictating the tempo.

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman finished calmly after a well-worked move. Five minutes later, Osimhen made amends, doubling Nigeria’s lead with a composed finish after finding space inside the box. By half-time, the two-goal advantage accurately reflected Nigeria’s dominance in possession, territory and chances.

There was no let-up after the interval. Within two minutes of the restart, Lookman turned provider, teeing up Osimhen to complete his brace and effectively end the contest. Mozambique, spirited but outmatched, struggled to gain any foothold against a Nigerian side comfortable both in and out of possession.

Mozambique’s attacking threat was further blunted by a disciplined Nigerian defence expertly marshalled by Calvin Bassey, who ensured winger Geny Catamo remained largely anonymous. Nigeria’s structure and organisation once again highlighted why they have conceded so few clear chances throughout the tournament.

The Super Eagles added further gloss in the 70th minute when Akor Adams struck the fourth goal, capping a fine all-round display after earlier providing two assists. It was a fitting reward for a player emblematic of Nigeria’s squad depth—one of the tournament’s key differentiators.

Beyond the result, the performance reinforced Nigeria’s AFCON pedigree. Three-time champions and runners-up at the last edition, the Super Eagles arrived in Morocco determined to go one step further.

As the tournament reaches its crucial stages, Nigeria have shown they are no longer just contenders, but favourites. Balanced across all departments, rich in experience, with a blend of promise and stars in their prime, the Eric Chelle-led Super Eagles are peaking at the right moment.

For Mozambique, a commendable journey ends, but For Nigeria, the march continues for a potential fourth AFCON title.