By Danjuma Amodu
Victor Osimhen’s two‑goal masterclass sparked Nigeria’s emphatic 4‑0 demolition of Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations last‑16, securing the Super Eagles’ spot in the quarter‑finals where they await the winner of Algeria vs DR Congo. Ademola Lookman shone bright, scoring once and assisting three more, while Akor Adams added the decisive fourth to seal a historic win. The biggest knockout margin since Egypt’s 4‑0 triumph over Algeria in 2010.
Victor Osimhen silenced critics and ignited Nigeria’s AFCON campaign with a brace as the Super Eagles stormed past Mozambique 4‑0 on Monday night, booking their ticket to the quarter‑finals.
Osimhen, who had gone seven AFCON matches without a goal before netting against Tunisia in the group stage, finally rediscovered his lethal touch. He opened his account with a composed finish in the 25th minute after Ademola Lookman’s pinpoint cross was flicked on by Akor Adams. Moments before, Lookman had opened the scoring in the 20th minute, converting Adams’ cutback with a first‑time strike.
The Galatasaray forward then doubled his tally just two minutes after the restart, slotting home Lookman’s low cross to make it 3‑0. That goal effectively ended Mozambique’s hopes, and Akor Adams sealed the victory with a thunderous strike in the 75th minute, capping off Lookman’s three‑assist haul.
“Mozambique offered little resistance,” said coach Eric Chelle post‑match. “We controlled possession, pressed high, and created chances — a complete team performance.”
The result marks Nigeria’s biggest winning margin in an AFCON knockout tie since Egypt thumped Algeria 4‑0 in the 2010 semi‑final — a statement of intent for a side hungry to make up for missing the World Cup.
Nigeria’s next test comes on Saturday in Marrakesh, where they’ll face either Algeria or DR Congo — a tie that could offer revenge for the penalty shootout defeat to the Leopards in November’s World Cup qualifier.
Mozambique, appearing in their first ever AFCON knockout stage after qualifying as one of the best third‑placed teams, showed grit but were ultimately overrun by Nigeria’s pace, precision, and clinical finishing.
Earlier Monday, Egypt edged Benin 3‑1 after extra time, with Mohamed Salah netting the decisive goal in the 124th minute to send the Pharaohs into the quarters to meet either Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso.
