Nigeria Blow Away Mozambique to Book AFCON Quarterfinal Spot

Nigeria marched into the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals in emphatic fashion after overpowering Mozambique 4-0 at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on Monday night. In a contest that was effectively settled inside the opening 25 minutes, the Super Eagles combined pace, power and precision to underline their title credentials.

Ademola Lookman set the tone early, opening the scoring in the 20th minute with a composed right foot finish into the top corner after a sharp assist from Akor Adams. The early breakthrough unsettled Mozambique, who struggled to cope with Nigeria’s relentless pressing and movement in the final third.

Victor Osimhen doubled the advantage five minutes later, reacting quickest inside the six-yard area to convert Adams’ layoff. The Napoli striker’s physical presence caused constant problems for the Mozambican backline, forcing errors and pinning defenders deep for long spells.

Nigeria remained in full control as the first half progressed, with Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka dictating the tempo in midfield while Alex Iwobi linked play effectively between the lines. Mozambique attempted to slow the game with fouls and compact defending, but they offered little attacking threat of note.

Any hope of a second-half response from Mozambique was extinguished almost immediately after the restart. Just two minutes into the second half, Osimhen struck again, this time finishing from close range after Lookman’s dangerous delivery found him unmarked in the box. The goal effectively ended the contest as a competitive affair.

The Super Eagles continued to create chances at will, with Lookman, Osayi-Samuel and Akor Adams all going close as Mozambique retreated deeper. Their resistance finally collapsed again in the 75th minute when Adams capped an impressive performance by firing into the top corner following a rapid counter attack, once more involving Lookman in the build-up.

Nigeria comfortably saw out the remainder of the match, managing the game professionally while introducing fresh legs from the bench. Despite a handful of late fouls and yellow cards, the Super Eagles never looked in danger as they closed out a clean sheet with authority.

The comprehensive victory sends Nigeria into the knockout stages full of confidence, with their attacking trio clicking at the perfect time. For Mozambique, the defeat ends their AFCON journey after a night where they were second best in every department.