Victor Osimhen scored twice and Ademola Lookman delivered a masterclass as Nigeria swept aside Mozambique 4-0 to cruise into the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with their biggest knockout victory in 16 years.
The three-time champions, determined to make amends for failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, produced a clinical display in Fès that left their opponents chasing shadows for much of the contest. The margin of victory equalled the biggest winning margin in an AFCON knockout tie since Egypt’s 4-0 demolition of Algeria in the 2010 semi-finals.
Atalanta forward Lookman, the 2024 African Player of the Year, opened the scoring after 20 minutes when he converted first-time from Akor Adams’s cutback following Alex Iwobi’s clever through ball. The goal set the tone for a dominant Nigerian performance that never allowed Mozambique to settle.
Osimhen doubled the advantage just five minutes later, finishing from close range after Adams’s assist. The Galatasaray striker had started the match without his trademark protective mask but restored the face covering before scoring, perhaps a superstitious decision that paid immediate dividends.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle had made significant changes from the final group match against Uganda, restoring several key players to the starting eleven. The tactical adjustments proved inspired as the Super Eagles controlled possession, completing 61.6 per cent of the ball and creating chances at will.
Mozambique, appearing in their first-ever AFCON knockout match after advancing as one of the best third-placed teams, struggled to cope with Nigeria’s pace and movement. The Mambas, as they are known, managed just two shots compared to Nigeria’s 22 attempts, with goalkeeper Ernan Siluane making five saves to prevent an even heavier defeat.
Osimhen added his second and Nigeria’s third just two minutes into the second half, finishing Lookman’s dangerous low cross from the left. The goal effectively ended the contest, though Nigeria continued to press for more goals.
Sevilla forward Adams completed the scoring in the 75th minute with a stunning strike, controlling Lookman’s pass inside the area, beating his marker and firing powerfully into the top corner. It capped an impressive individual display from the substitute who had been involved in all four goals.
The match was briefly delayed due to rain, but it did little to dampen Nigeria’s spirits as they marched into the quarter-finals where they will face either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo in Marrakesh on Saturday.
For Mozambique, the heavy defeat ends a historic campaign that saw them reach the knockout phase of an AFCON for the first time. Despite the scoreline, they can reflect on qualifying from a difficult group that included Ivory Coast and Cameroon.
Nigeria’s performance will give them confidence as they pursue their first AFCON title since 2013, with Osimhen and Lookman forming a potent attacking partnership that could trouble any defence in the tournament.
