Super Eagles Make A Statement In Fez
There are wins that get you through a tournament, and then there are performances that announce you as a genuine threat. Nigeria’s 4-0 demolition of Mozambique on Monday night firmly belonged in the second category.
Under the lights at the Fez Stadium, the Super Eagles were ruthless, controlled and unapologetically dominant as they booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
From the first whistle, this felt like a team growing into the tournament. Nigeria were sharper in possession, quicker in transition and far more composed in the final third, leaving the Mambas chasing shadows for long spells.
Osimhen, Lookman And Adams Run The Show
If there were any doubts about Nigeria’s attacking balance heading into the knockout stages, they were wiped away in 90 emphatic minutes.
Victor Osimhen was at his devastating best, scoring twice and constantly unsettling Mozambique’s defence with his movement and physicality. Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams played the perfect supporting roles, combining goals and assists with relentless pressing and intelligent link-up play.
Nigeria’s opener arrived midway through the first half when Adams slid a low cross into the box and Lookman finished with composure. Five minutes later, Lookman turned provider, his delivery eventually finding Osimhen for a simple close-range finish that put the Super Eagles firmly in control.
By halftime, Mozambique already looked overwhelmed, struggling to cope with Nigeria’s pace and experience.
Early Second Half Blow Ends The Contest
Any hope of a Mozambican comeback disappeared almost immediately after the restart. Less than two minutes into the second half, Lookman once again carved open the defence, allowing Osimhen to tap in his second and Nigeria’s third.
From there, the match became a question of how many. Mozambique battled bravely and can take pride in reaching the AFCON knockout stage for the first time in their history, but the gulf in quality was impossible to ignore.
Akor Adams eventually got his reward in the 75th minute, firing home a powerful finish to cap a commanding team display and seal a 4-0 scoreline that felt fully deserved.
Mozambique’s Milestone Moment Still Matters
While the scoreline was harsh, this tournament will still be remembered fondly in Mozambique. Reaching the knockout rounds of an Africa Cup of Nations for the first time marked a significant step forward for the Mambas, even if their journey ended against one of the continent’s heavyweights.
Back home and across social media, Mozambican fans praised the team’s fighting spirit and historic achievement, while acknowledging that Nigeria were simply on another level on the night.
Nigeria Growing Stronger At The Right Time
For Nigeria, the mood is one of confidence rather than celebration. This performance underlined why many tipped the Super Eagles as title contenders before the tournament began.
Supporters online were quick to point out the team’s balance between flair and discipline, with the midfield protecting the back line and the forwards showing clinical edge. There is a growing belief that this squad is peaking at exactly the right moment.
Next up is a quarterfinal clash against either Algeria or DR Congo at the Marrakesh Stadium on Saturday, 10 January. If Nigeria reproduce anything close to this level, few teams left in the competition will relish standing in their way.
The Super Eagles are no longer just progressing. They are warning everyone else that the road to the AFCON trophy may well run straight through them.
Source: Super Sport
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