AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Storm into Quarter-Finals with Emphatic 4–0 Win Over Mozambique

Nigeria’s Super Eagles continued their impressive AFCON 2025 campaign by sealing a convincing 4–0 victory over Mozambique to secure a place in the quarter-finals, delivering a dominant Round of 16 performance in Fès.

Building on a flawless group-stage run that saw them win all three matches to finish top of Group C, the Super Eagles approached the knockout tie with confidence and intensity. From the opening exchanges, Nigeria asserted control, dictating the tempo and pinning Mozambique back with quick transitions and relentless attacking movement. Mozambique, appearing in the Round of 16 for the first time after qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams from Group F, found it difficult to match Nigeria’s speed, organisation and technical quality.

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman capitalised on Nigeria’s early pressure, calmly finishing after a well-weighted assist from Akor Adams. The goal further lifted the Eagles, who continued to push forward with purpose. Just five minutes later, Victor Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s advantage, reacting sharply in the box to underline his importance to the team’s attacking threat.

Nigeria carried their momentum into the second half, and within two minutes of the restart, Lookman turned provider again. His incisive pass found Osimhen, who made no mistake in converting to give the Super Eagles a commanding 3–0 lead by the 47th minute. With the match firmly under control, Nigeria maintained their structure while still posing a constant danger going forward.

Akor Adams capped off an excellent all-round display by completing the scoring in the 75th minute, finishing clinically to register Nigeria’s fourth goal and put the result beyond any doubt. By that stage, the Super Eagles had effectively turned the contest into a showcase of their attacking depth and tactical discipline.

Wilfred Ndidi led by example in midfield, anchoring the side alongside Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, while Stanley Nwabali returned between the posts and was rarely troubled. The defensive unit of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi remained composed throughout, limiting Mozambique to speculative efforts and ensuring Nwabali was largely untested.

Head coach Éric Chelle used the second half to manage the game and rotate his squad, introducing Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze for Akor Adams and Lookman. Further changes saw Tom Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika replace Onyeka and Ndidi, while Moses Simon came on for Osimhen as Nigeria preserved energy for the challenges ahead.

By the 80th minute, Nigeria had recorded eight shots on target, underlining their attacking dominance, while Mozambique had yet to register a meaningful attempt on goal.

The emphatic victory keeps Nigeria’s momentum firmly intact as they continue their pursuit of a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title. The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the quarter-finals, where they are set to face the winners of the clash between Algeria and Congo DR, with confidence high and performances steadily peaking at the right time.