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AFCON 2025: Nigeria thrash Mozambique 4-0 to storm into Quarter-Finals

Jan 5, 2026 09:05 PM GMT+00:00

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AFCON 2025: Nigeria thrash Mozambique 4-0 to storm into Quarter-Finals

Nigeria produced their most dominant performance of the tournament so far as the Super Eagles swept aside Mozambique 4-0 in Fez to book a place in the quarter-finals of AFCON 2025.

Goals from Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen (2) and Akor Adams underlined Nigeria’s attacking superiority on the night, with Eric Chelle’s side becoming the first team to score four goals in a single match at this year’s tournament.

The emphatic victory also took Nigeria’s goal tally to 12, the highest at AFCON 2025, sending a clear message to the rest of the field.

From the opening minutes, Nigeria asserted control, pinning Mozambique deep in their own half with relentless pressure. Lookman and Osimhen were immediately involved, forcing early corners and half-chances as the Mambas struggled to cope with Nigeria’s tempo.

Mozambique threatened briefly on the counter through Geny Catamo, but heavy touches and decisive Nigerian defending prevented any real danger.

Lookman breaks the deadlock

The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute following a slick team move. Alex Iwobi split the defence with a perfectly weighted through ball for Adams, who pulled the ball back into the path of Lookman. The Atalanta forward made no mistake, thumping his finish past goalkeeper Ernan to make it 1-0.

It was Lookman’s third goal in three matches at the tournament, continuing his excellent form.

Osimhen doubles the advantage

Nigeria struck again just eight minutes later. Once more, Iwobi was the architect, releasing Lookman down the left with a clever pass. Lookman’s cross deflected slightly off Adams, falling kindly for Victor Osimhen, who poked the ball home at the far post to double Nigeria’s lead.

Mozambique briefly steadied themselves, but Nigeria continued to create chances, with Ndidi and Iwobi both going close before the break.

At half-time, the Super Eagles held a comfortable 2-0 lead, firmly in control.

Mozambique made two changes at the interval in a bid to stem the tide, but their resistance lasted barely two minutes.

In the 47th minute, Lookman danced past multiple defenders on the left before squaring the ball across goal. Osimhen was on hand to tap in from close range, scoring his second of the night and Nigeria’s third.

With that goal, Nigeria moved clear as the tournament’s top scorers, while Osimhen began to rediscover the ruthless touch that has made him one of Africa’s most feared strikers.

Ruthless Nigeria show no mercy

Nigeria smelled blood and continued to push for more. Adams came close on several occasions, denied by a superb save from Ernan before finally getting his reward in the 79th minute.

The striker shrugged off his marker and smashed a powerful finish into the roof of the net, completing a memorable night in which he registered one goal and two assists. Substitute Moses Simon played a key role in the move, while Lookman added yet another assist to cap a brilliant all-round display.

Records, Control and a Clean Sheet

With the game effectively won, Chelle rotated his squad, bringing on Paul Onuachu, Samuel Chukwueze, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Onyedika.

Nigeria managed the closing stages professionally, limiting Mozambique to few opportunities and securing a rare clean sheet, a welcome boost for a side that had conceded four times in the group stage.

There was still time for late bookings for Wilfred Ndidi and Calvin Bassey, but nothing could dampen Nigeria’s night.

Mozambique bow out, Nigeria march on

For Mozambique, the defeat marked the end of a historic AFCON run in their first-ever knockout appearance. Despite moments of endeavour, they were ultimately outclassed by a Nigerian side operating at a different level.

Nigeria, meanwhile, advance to the quarter-finals full of confidence and attacking momentum. They are set to face either Algeria or DR Congo, with eyes firmly fixed on another deep run in Morocco.

On this evidence, the Super Eagles look every bit like serious contenders for the AFCON 2025 crown.