Nigeria took another confident step toward a fourth Africa Cup of Nations crown after dismantling Mozambique 4–0 in the round of 16, ending the Mambas’ fairytale first appearance in the knockout stage.
The Super Eagles, beaten finalists at the last edition, asserted control from the first whistle and never loosened their grip on the contest. It was a fourth straight win at the tournament, marking the first time Nigeria have ever opened an AFCON finals with four consecutive victories.
Victor Osimhen thought he had given Nigeria an early lead inside two minutes, but his effort was ruled out for offside. That warning did little to slow the pressure. Alex Iwobi forced a smart save soon after, while Mozambique were pinned deep by a wave of Nigerian attacks.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman showed great composure to curl a fine finish into the top corner from close range, his third goal of the competition. Nigeria struck again just five minutes later as Lookman’s cross was glanced on by Akor Adams, allowing Osimhen to tap in from point blank range.
Osimhen nearly added another before halftime, heading just wide, while Wilfred Ndidi tried his luck from distance without success. Mozambique’s best opening of the half fell to Faisal Bangal, but his header from close range failed to trouble Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria resumed after the break with the same intensity and quickly made it three. Lookman once again turned provider, picking out Osimhen at the back post for a simple finish and the striker’s second goal of the night.
Bright Osayi Samuel came close to increasing the margin, first shooting narrowly wide and then being denied by goalkeeper Ernan Siluane. Adams also tested the keeper with a curling effort from outside the box.
The forward eventually got his reward late on, beating his marker and rifling a powerful strike into the near top corner to complete an emphatic performance.
The victory equals Nigeria’s biggest winning margin at the Africa Cup of Nations, matching the 4–0 success against South Africa in 2004. The Super Eagles now await either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarter finals as they chase their first continental title since 2013.
Should we send you latest update about your favourite sports and team?
Enter you email in the box below and hit the subscribe button to join our teaming 876+ sports community.
