- Lookman clinches Man of the Match award
- Nigeria await Algeria or DR Congo in quarter-final clash
Three-time African champions, Nigeria, delivered a commanding performance at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, thrashing Mozambique 4–0 to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Super Eagles dominated the Round of 16 encounter from start to finish, with Victor Osimhen scoring twice, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams also found the net in a clinical display of attacking football.
Nigeria signalled their intent early, as Osimhen had a second-minute effort ruled out for offside before Alex Iwobi tested Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan with a long-range strike.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Iwobi split the defence with a precise pass to Adams, who squared the ball for Lookman to calmly slot home his third goal of the tournament, giving Eric Chelle’s side a deserved lead.
The Super Eagles doubled their advantage five minutes later through Osimhen. Another incisive delivery from Iwobi released Lookman down the left, and his driven cross, aided by a slight deflection, allowed Osimhen to tap in from close range. Nigeria remained firmly in control, creating further openings through Adams and Lookman before heading into the break with a 2–0 cushion.
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Any hopes of a Mozambique revival were extinguished moments after the restart. Lookman again turned provider, weaving past defenders before setting up Osimhen to score his second of the night and Nigeria’s third goal.
The pressure continued, and Nigeria capped a scintillating display in the 75th minute when Lookman recorded his third assist of the match, teeing up Adams, who rifled the ball into the roof of the net to complete the rout.
Nigeria comfortably saw out the contest, registering their 12th goal of the tournament — the highest by any team so far — to seal a convincing 4–0 victory.
Lookman was deservedly named Man of the Match, earning his second award of the tournament following his standout performance in Nigeria’s 3–2 group-stage win over Tunisia.
The winger, who has now scored three goals and provided multiple assists at the tournament, was a constant threat, ensuring Mozambique never settled into the game.
The Super Eagles will now shift focus to Saturday’s quarter-final, where they will face the winner of the Round of 16 tie between Algeria and DR Congo.
