Super Eagles trash Mozambique 4-0 to reach AFCON quarter-final

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). 

The team thrashed Mambas of Mozambique 4-0 in the second round of the competition on Monday.

Goals from Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adam sealed victory for Nigeria.

Nigeria finished top of Group C, winning all their games, while Mozambique squeezed into the knockout phase as one of the best third-placed teams.

Despite Nigeria’s apparent advantage, Alfons Amade, a defender for Mambas of Mozambique, warned that the magic of AFCON often produces surprises.

However, the shock was the mismatch in class and the ease with which Nigeria overran the Mambas.

Eric Chelle, the Eagles’ head coach, reverted to a familiar starting line-up after his heavy squad rotation for the first game.

The productive partnership of Victor Osimhen, Akor Adam and Ademola Lookman got another victim, and the result was devastating.

Osimhen had the ball in the net within the first two minutes but was ruled out for offside. Then Iwobi had his shot saved.

But a few minutes later, Lookman’s shot was beyond saving. Adam’s cutback found the Atalanta winger at the centre of the area, and the finish was efficient.

Five minutes later, the combination of the three Eagles attackers ripped through Mozambique’s defence again. Lookman crossed the ball into the area and aimed at Adam, but the striker missed it and, with an innocent deflection, redirected the ball into the path of Osimhen, who did the rest.

In the second half, Lookman then provided another goal for Osimhen and the striker tapped in from close range.

In between this period of glorious football, a nasty episode left a sour taste. Osimhen lost his head at Lookman for reasons yet to be identified. He required teammates’ help to calm the situation. Still boiling, the Galatasaray striker signalled to the bench to be subbed off and was obliged.

Away from that, Adam wrapped the emphatic victory up with a powerful shot for the fourth goal.