Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered one of their most dominant performances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hammering Mozambique 4–0 to secure a convincing place in the quarter-finals of the tournament in Morocco. The emphatic Round of 16 victory underlined Nigeria’s growing momentum and reaffirmed their status as one of the title favourites.
Played at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, the encounter saw Nigeria take control almost from the first whistle, imposing their pace, power and technical superiority on a Mozambican side that struggled to cope with sustained pressure. The Super Eagles’ intent was clear early on, as they pressed aggressively and moved the ball with purpose.
Nigeria’s dominance paid off in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman broke the deadlock with a calm and well-placed finish following a swift attacking move. The goal opened the floodgates and visibly unsettled Mozambique, who found it difficult to regain their shape thereafter.
Just five minutes later, Victor Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s advantage, reacting quickest inside the box to convert from close range. The Napoli striker’s movement and physical presence continued to trouble the Mozambican defence, giving Nigeria a comfortable cushion before the half-hour mark.
Mozambique attempted to respond by pushing men forward, but Nigeria’s backline remained composed and disciplined, cutting out crosses and limiting their opponents to speculative efforts. By halftime, the Super Eagles were firmly in control, both on the scoreboard and in overall play.
Any hopes of a Mozambican comeback were effectively extinguished shortly after the restart when Osimhen struck again in the 47th minute. His second goal of the night came from another incisive Nigerian attack, highlighting the team’s efficiency in front of goal.
With a three-goal lead, Nigeria managed the game intelligently, maintaining possession and picking their moments to attack. Mozambique, despite their effort and energy, were unable to match Nigeria’s tempo or break through a well-organized midfield.
The Super Eagles added a fourth goal in the 75th minute through Akor Adams, who finished confidently to cap a superb team performance. The goal further emphasized the depth in Nigeria’s squad and their ability to hurt opponents from multiple attacking options.
Statistically and tactically, Nigeria were superior throughout the contest, dominating possession, creating clearer chances and restricting Mozambique to minimal goal-scoring opportunities. The result ranked among the most one-sided matches of the knockout phase so far.
With this victory, Nigeria march into the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals brimming with confidence, where they will face the winner of the Algeria versus DR Congo tie. For Mozambique, the defeat ends a historic tournament run, but for Nigeria, the journey toward continental glory continues with renewed belief and authority.


