Nigeria’s Super Eagles stamped their authority on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with an emphatic 4-0 demolition of Mozambique on Monday, securing a place in the quarter-finals and setting up a tantalising showdown with either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo).
In a performance that blended tactical discipline with ruthless attacking efficiency, the Super Eagles dominated from start to finish. Ademola Lookman opened the scoring in the first half, firing a right-footed shot into the top corner following a slick build-up involving forward movement and incisive passing that kept Mozambique on the back foot. Victor Osimhen continued his fine form by doubling Nigeria’s lead shortly before halftime, tapping in from close range after sustained pressure from the African giants.
The second half saw Nigeria maintain their intensity as they looked to put the tie beyond doubt. Osimhen added a third with a composed finish, again showcasing the lethal edge that has made him one of the tournament’s most feared forwards. Akor Adams wrapped up the scoring with a precise right-footed strike from the right side of the box, cementing Nigeria’s superiority on the night and sparking jubilant celebrations among travelling supporters.
Lookman’s creative influence was a highlight of the match; his ability to unlock defences and combine with teammates such as Osimhen and Adams was key to Nigeria’s attacking fluency. His performance, marked by two assists, drew widespread praise from fans and pundits alike, further illustrating the depth of Nigeria’s squad.
The victory ensures that Nigeria progresses to the AFCON quarter-finals, where they will face the winners between Algeria and DR Congo. A date with DR Congo would re-enact their recent tie in Morocco last November where the Leopards denied the Super Eagles a chance to appear at the 2026 World Cup.
Earlier in the day, seven-time champions Egypt booked their place in the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time win over Benin in Agadir. The Pharaohs were pushed all the way in a gripping encounter that remained level at 1–1 after regulation time before Egypt’s experience ultimately told in additional minutes. Mohamed Salah capped the victory with a composed finish in the dying moments, a strike that will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the tie.
The Pharaohs will also wait for the outcome of the Round of 16 tie between Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso to know their quarter-final opponents.
