The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a commanding performance on Monday night, securing their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a resounding 4-0 victory over Mozambique. The emphatic win in Fes, Morocco, showcased the team's attacking prowess and defensive solidity as they continue their quest for continental glory.
Lookman and Osimhen Lead the Charge
The match was effectively controlled by Nigeria from the outset. Ademola Lookman, the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, broke the deadlock after 20 minutes. A precise through ball from Alex Iwobi found Akor Adams on the left flank, whose cutback was expertly finished first-time by the Atalanta forward.
Lookman then turned provider just five minutes later. His cross from the left was deftly helped on by Adams, allowing Victor Osimhen to poke home from close range for Nigeria's second. Notably, Osimhen started the match without his protective mask but had restored it before scoring this goal.
A Second-Half Blitz Seals Historic Win
Any hopes of a Mozambican comeback were extinguished shortly after the restart. In the 47th minute, Lookman delivered another dangerous low ball across the goalmouth, which Osimhen tapped in for his second of the night and Nigeria's third. This ended a personal goal drought of seven AFCON matches for the 2023 African Player of the Year, who now has three goals in this tournament.
The scoring was completed with 15 minutes remaining. Lookman, orchestrating play yet again, supplied Adams inside the box, and the Sevilla forward unleashed a powerful shot high into the net to make it 4-0. This margin of victory represents the biggest in an AFCON knockout tie since Egypt's 4-0 win over Algeria in the 2010 semi-finals.
Road to Redemption Continues in Marrakesh
The comprehensive win sets up a quarter-final clash for Nigeria this Saturday in Marrakesh. Their opponents will be the winner of Tuesday's last-16 tie between Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo. A potential meeting with DR Congo would offer the Super Eagles a chance for revenge, following their painful defeat on penalties to the Leopards in a World Cup qualifying play-off last November.
Coach Eric Chelle had rotated his squad for the final group game but reinstated key players like Lookman for this knockout fixture. The strategy paid off handsomely against a Mozambican side making its first-ever appearance in the AFCON knockout stages after qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.
Determined to make amends for missing the last World Cup, this Nigerian squad has sent a powerful message to the rest of the continent. The Super Eagles are soaring, and their sights are firmly set on the AFCON trophy.
