Nigeria booked their place in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in emphatic fashion after thrashing the Mambas 4–0 in a one-sided last-16 encounter at Fez stadium in Morocco, a performance that underlined their title credentials and left them waiting to discover whether DR Congo or Algeria will stand in their path in the last eight.

The Super Eagles wasted no time asserting their authority and thought they had taken the lead almost immediately when Victor Osimhen tapped home from close range, only for celebrations to be cut short by an offside flag. That early warning did little to slow Nigeria’s momentum. They settled quickly, pinned Mozambique deep, and began to create chances with ease through the movement of Ademola Lookman and the physical presence of Osimhen.

The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute when Akor Adams drove forward and slipped a perfectly weighted pass into Lookman’s path. The winger surged into the box and unleashed a powerful finish high beyond goalkeeper Ernan to give Nigeria a deserved lead. Mozambique struggled to respond as Nigeria continued to dominate possession and territory, repeatedly probing down the flanks and through midfield.

Five minutes later the advantage was doubled. Adams was again involved, bursting into space and delivering a dangerous ball across the penalty area. Osimhen reacted quickest, getting the decisive touch to steer the ball into the net and put Nigeria firmly in control. The Super Eagles could have added more before the break, with Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi all going close, while Mozambique were limited to speculative efforts that rarely troubled the Nigerian defence. By halftime, Nigeria held a comfortable 2–0 lead and looked well on course for progression.

The second half followed the same pattern, with Nigeria dictating the tempo and Mozambique unable to cope with the intensity. Just five minutes after the restart, Lookman turned provider, driving down the left and pulling the ball back into the danger area. Osimhen met it with a clinical volley from close range to make it 3–0 and effectively end the contest.

Nigeria continued to create openings, and the fourth goal arrived on the half-hour mark through a devastating counter-attack. Lookman carried the ball forward and found Adams on the right side of the box. The forward showed composure and strength, beating his marker before rifling a powerful shot into the top corner to cap off an outstanding performance.

With the result beyond doubt, Nigeria made a series of substitutions to manage the game, easing off the press while still maintaining control. Mozambique attempted to push forward in search of consolation, but the Super Eagles’ defence remained solid, limiting their opponents to half chances and blocked efforts.

At the final whistle, the scoreline reflected Nigeria’s complete dominance from start to finish. Goals from Lookman, Adams and a brace from Osimhen ensured a convincing 4–0 victory and a smooth passage into the quarterfinals. The Super Eagles now turn their attention to the next challenge, awaiting the winner of the clash between DR Congo and Algeria, confident and full of momentum as the business end of AFCON 2025 approaches.