Nigeria booked a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 4-0 victory over Mozambique on Monday night. The Super Eagles delivered a dominant performance in Fez to complete a perfect group-stage campaign.
The result confirmed Nigeria’s progression from Group C after winning all three group matches. It also marked the first time in the nation’s history that the Super Eagles have won their opening four fixtures at an Africa Cup of Nations tournament, counting previous knockout-stage results.
Nigeria approached the encounter knowing that qualification was already within reach, but the team showed no signs of complacency. From the opening minutes, they controlled possession and dictated the tempo, putting Mozambique under sustained pressure.
Ademola Lookman opened the scoring after a well-worked attacking move. The winger found space in the final third and finished calmly to give Nigeria an early advantage and settle any nerves in the stands.
Lookman continued to be a key influence and soon turned provider. He delivered a precise assist for Victor Osimhen, who doubled Nigeria’s lead before the interval with a composed finish inside the penalty area.
The Super Eagles went into the break firmly in control, having limited Mozambique to few clear chances. Nigeria’s defensive structure remained solid, while their midfield ensured quick transitions from defense to attack.
Shortly after the restart, Nigeria struck again to put the result beyond doubt. Osimhen scored his second goal of the night almost immediately after the resumption, once again benefiting from Lookman’s creativity.
The striker’s brace highlighted Nigeria’s attacking efficiency and sharp movement in the final third. Mozambique struggled to cope with the pace and physical presence of the Super Eagles’ forward line.
Nigeria continued to press for more goals despite holding a comfortable lead. Their attacking intent was rewarded when Akor Adams added the fourth goal with a powerful strike from inside the penalty area.
The goal capped a complete team performance that showcased Nigeria’s depth and attacking options. Adams’ finish reflected the confidence within the squad as they dominated the closing stages of the match.
Mozambique, known as the Mambas, found it difficult to respond as Nigeria maintained their intensity. The Super Eagles controlled possession and managed the game effectively until the final whistle.
The emphatic win further underlined Nigeria’s superiority over Mozambique in recent meetings. It also reinforced their status as one of the strongest teams in the tournament heading into the knockout rounds.
Head coach Eric Chelle praised his players’ discipline and execution, as they followed the game plan throughout the match. The team showed balance across all departments, combining defensive solidity with clinical finishing.
Nigeria’s flawless group-stage run sends a strong message to other contenders at AFCON 2025. With momentum on their side, the Super Eagles will be aiming to build on this performance as the competition intensifies.
The Super Eagles will now await their quarter-final opponents. They are set to face the winner of the tie between Burkina Faso and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
As the tournament moves into the knockout phase, Nigeria will look to maintain their consistency and focus. The convincing victory over Mozambique has positioned them well for the challenges ahead.
