AFCON: Nigeria’s dynamic duo overwhelms Mozambique

Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were influential again for Nigeria, who are through to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals following a 4-0 victory over Mozambique on Monday evening in Fès, Morocco.

Lookman opened the scoring before Osimhen scored twice, leaving the Super Eagles with an unassailable lead early in the second half on their way to a decisive victory. Akor Adams added his first AFCON goal later in the second half as the striker added two assists in an impressive performance.

Mozambique were never in the match. The Mambas avoided conceding the lead inside two minutes after an Osimhen goal was ruled off for offsides. However, in the 20th minute there was no doubt when Lookman finished into the top corner from an Akor Adams cross.

Less than five minutes later, a brilliant pass from Alex Iwobi in the midfield opened up space for Lookman. The Atalanta BC star’s incisive cross took a slight deflection off Adams and found its way to the far post where Osimhen was left with a simple tap-in.

Mambas coach Chiquinho Conde attempted to inspire his team with a double substitution at halftime but instead, it was the Super Eagles who extended their lead less than two minutes into the second half. Lookman had a cross attempt blocked but recovered the ball to dance past two defenders before crossing low for Osimhen to bundle home.

The match proceeded to calm down with the Super Eagles well in control. But the West Africans’ dominance continued and Adams was rewarded with his first goal of the tournament, finishing powerfully from Lookman’s second assist of the match.

Nigeria will now travel to Marrakech for the quarterfinals, where they will await the winner of Tuesday’s clash between Algeria and DR Congo.