Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered a commanding statement at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, cruising into the quarter-finals with a resounding 4–0 victory over Mozambique in their Round of 16 encounter.
Inspired by a scintillating brace from Victor Osimhen and further goals from Ademola Lookman and Adams Akor, the Super Eagles dominated proceedings from start to finish, thrilling millions of fans across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Nigeria wasted no time in stamping their authority on the contest. The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman finished calmly at the near post after latching onto a defence-splitting pass from Adams Akor. The goal ignited the Nigerian supporters and set the tone for an onslaught Mozambique struggled to withstand.
Lookman, now with two goals in AFCON 2025, was a constant thorn in Mozambique’s defence — drifting intelligently between the lines, drawing fouls, and linking seamlessly with the midfield trio of Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Wilfred Ndidi.
The pressure paid off again five minutes later. In the 25th minute, Victor Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s advantage, reacting quickest to tap home from close range after Akor’s powerful header forced a sharp save from the Mozambican goalkeeper.
Osimhen struck again moments after the restart, making it 3–0 in the 47th minute. The Napoli striker showcased his predatory instincts, finishing clinically from an assist provided by Lookman in a classic centre-forward’s goal.
Despite the comfortable lead, the Super Eagles maintained their intensity, pressing high and dictating the tempo. Their dominance was finally crowned in the 75th minute when Adams Akor found the net, scoring his maiden AFCON goal to cap a memorable night for the 26-year-old forward.
Nigeria’s superiority was reflected in the statistics. The Super Eagles enjoyed 61% possession, completed 482 passes, and registered 17 shots — nine of them on target — while limiting Mozambique to just three attempts throughout the match.
At the back, Kelvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi were rock-solid, marshaling the defence with composure, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali secured his first clean sheet of the tournament with a largely untroubled performance.
With Osimhen in lethal form, Lookman at his creative best, and emerging contributors like Akor rising to the occasion, the Super Eagles look increasingly formidable as they continue their quest for continental glory at AFCON 2025.
