AFCON 2025: « Super » Super Eagles demolish Mozambique to make last 8

Nigeria’s ballon d’or winners take stage

Nigeria takes the match from a good start with Victor Oshimen who was thinking to open the scoring at the beginning. The attacker from Galatasaray is logically flagged for offside. After 20 minutes of play, the Super Eagles find the loophole. Alex Iwobi throws perfectly Akor Adams into the depth. The back cross from Montpellier wingman is converted by Lookman for his 3rd goal in three games in this AFCON. Oshimen and Lookman, respectively African Players of the Year in 2023 and 2024, splashed their talent on this first act, well served by the very inspired Iwobi.

The Nigerian domination is quickly concretized on the scoreboard and even more so when Victor Oshimen scores the 2nd goal for Nigeria after a cross from Lookman, slightly deflected by Adams (2-0, 25th). Note that Iwobi was once again at the helm with a sumptuous pass for Lookman at the start of the action. Akor Adams once again is called to action. The 25-year-old eliminates Reinildo with a hook but fails to frame his attempt. At the break, the reigning vice-champions of Africa made work light with these two goals.

Nigeria’s Offensive demonstration 

No time to get back together for the Mambas after the return from the locker room. Chiquinho Conde’s men are cold-picked from the start with Oshimen’s double. The African Player of the Year in 2023 takes advantage of a new offering by Adola Lookman for the 3-0 goal. Mozambique is down and Nigeria continues to accelerate to drive the point home. Malian Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle takes the opportunity to launch Moses Simon, Dele Bashiru, Onuachu, Onyedika and Samuel Chukwueze. A bench that makes any defense dizzy.

The triple champions of Africa confirm their status as best attack of the competition with Ademola Lookman who misses the opportunity to also take a brace but his shot at the penalty spot is completely missed (58th). Huge in this game, Adams is pushing for his goal to complete this brilliant qualification in the quarter-finals of the Super Eagles. The FC Sevilla striker is served by the best passer of this competition , Ademola Lookman (4-0, 75th).

Nigeria will not have trembled in this game against a team from Mozambique overtaken in all compartments. It is a qualification as a strong signal for Nigeria’s next opponent in the quarters between Algeria and DR Congo. Even more with a Nigerian defense that was not outdone by much aggression in the interventions of Bassey and Ajayi.