The Super Eagles of Nigeria have soared into the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a dominant 4–0 demolition of Mozambique today, Monday, 5 January 2026.
In a match that lived up to its “thriller” billing, the three-time champions displayed their most clinical attacking performance of the tournament so far, becoming the first team at AFCON 2025 to score four goals in a single knockout match.
Nigeria’s star-studded frontline, which had been criticized for being “unconvincing” in the group stages, responded with a goal fest at the Stade Foot Fès:
Ademola Lookman broke the deadlock early, slotting home after a brilliant layoff from Akor Adams. It was Lookman’s third goal of the tournament.
Victor Osimhen silenced his doubters with a brace. His first came from a precise cross by Lookman, and he added his second shortly after halftime with a clinical tap-in following a mesmerizing solo run into the box by the Atalanta star.
Akor Adams capped off a Man of the Match performance by thumping a fourth goal into the roof of the net. Adams finished the night with one goal and two assists, cementing his place as a breakout star of the tournament.
Match Statistics: Total Dominance
| Metric | Nigeria (NGA) | Mozambique (MOZ) |
| Score | 4 | 0 |
| Shots on Target | 9 | 2 |
| Possession | 64% | 36% |
| Clean Sheet | Yes | No |
Tactical Masterclass: Chelle’s “Lockdown” Pays Off
Head coach Éric Sékou Chelle, who faced backlash for a three-day media blackout leading up to the game, was vindicated by the result. The Super Eagles looked tactically disciplined, successfully nullifying Mozambique’s “Mamba” counter-attacks while maintaining a high-press system.
Nigeria’s defense, which had leaked four goals in the group stages, finally recorded a clean sheet, a massive morale boost for the “fragile” backline of Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Chelle utilized his bench effectively, bringing on Moses Simon, Raphael Onyedika, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru late in the game to maintain the intensity.
The Road to the Semis
Nigeria is the second team to book a quarter-final spot, joining defending champions Senegal.
Quarter-Final Fixture: Nigeria will face the winner of the Algeria vs. DR Congo clash.
Date: Friday, January 9, 2026.
Venue: Fes, Morocco.
“We told the fans to be patient. Tonight, we showed the world what Nigeria can do when we are focused. But the job isn’t done; we take it game by game.” – Victor Osimhen, post-match.
