Nigeria defeated Mozambique with a score of 4-0 in the Round of 16 match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday, January 5, 2026. The victory secured Nigeria's place in the quarter-finals of the tournament.The goals for Nigeria were scored by Ademola Lookman in the 20th minute, Victor Osimhen who scored a brace in the 25th and 47th minutes, and Akor Adams who sealed the win in the 75th minute. This dominant performance marked Nigeria's joint-biggest AFCON win, matching their 4-0 victory over South Africa in 2004. The win sends a strong message as the team advances in the knockout stage. The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a thunderous statement of intent on Monday night, dismantling a spirited but outclassed Mozambique side with a commanding 4-0 victory in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 clash. This was not merely a win; it was a tactical schooling, a demonstration of relentless, vertical football that underlined Nigeria's burgeoning credentials as genuine title contenders in Morocco. Nigeria, already through to the knockout stage with a perfect group-stage record, entered the match as overwhelming favourites. On the pitch at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, they played with a clarity of purpose designed to remove all doubt, dominating possession and dictating the tempo from the opening whistle. First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone Coach Eric Chelle's side adopted an aggressive, direct approach that overwhelmed the Mozambican defense. The front line, featuring the dynamic trio of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams, proved irresistible. The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute when Adams' precise cut-back found Lookman, who expertly finished from inside the box. Just five minutes later, the lead was doubled. Following incisive play from the midfield maestro Alex Iwobi, Lookman provided a cross that Osimhen tapped in from close range. Mozambique, making their first-ever appearance in the AFCON knockout stage, struggled to cope with the pace and movement, managing no shots on target throughout the match. Osimhen Brace Seals the Deal The second half began just as the first ended. In the 47th minute, Lookman once again turned provider, delivering a clever ball across the box for Osimhen to tap in his second goal of the night, effectively putting the contest beyond doubt. The scoring was completed in the 75th minute when Akor Adams, who had an excellent all-around performance, rifled a powerful, ruthless strike into the net for Nigeria's fourth.
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A Minor Altercation Amidst the Joy One of the few talking points in an otherwise flawless evening was a brief, visible disagreement between Osimhen and Lookman after the latter missed a passing option. The incident was quickly diffused by captain Wilfred Ndidi and downplayed by Lookman post-match, who emphasised team unity. Osimhen was substituted shortly after, heading down the tunnel, but the momentary tension did little to overshadow a dominant performance. Key Takeaways and Next Steps The victory was Nigeria's first clean sheet in seven matches and their joint-biggest winning margin at AFCON. While the attackers will garner headlines, the defensive unit, featuring Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, was disciplined and authoritative, keeping Mozambique's key threat Geny Catamo at bay. Nigeria's blend of intensity, power, and clinical finishing has sent a strong message to the rest of the continent. They now await the winner of the clash between Algeria and DR Congo in the quarter-finals, scheduled for Saturday in Marrakech. Mozambique, despite the heavy defeat, can depart the tournament with their heads held high after securing their first-ever AFCON win in their 17th match during the group stage, a historic achievement for the Mambas.
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