Osimhen and Lookman Shine as Nigeria Dismantles Mozambique in Fès
The Super Eagles delivered a statement of intent on Monday, January 5, 2026, as they dismantled Mozambique with a commanding 4–0 victory in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Playing at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morocco, the three-time champions showcased a blend of tactical discipline and overwhelming attacking flair, ending the historic run of a Mozambican side that was making its first-ever appearance in the tournament’s knockout stages.
The match began with early drama when star striker Victor Osimhen saw a goal chalked off by VAR just two minutes into the contest. However, this early setback did little to dampen the Nigerian spirit. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 20th minute through Ademola Lookman, who finished a cut-back from Akor Adams following a fluid attacking move. Lookman, who has been in sensational form throughout the competition, set the tone for a night of total dominance.
Nigeria quickly capitalized on their momentum, doubling the lead just five minutes later. Victor Osimhen, who had temporarily removed his signature protective mask before putting it back on to score, tapped home from close range after another assist from Adams. The Super Eagles went into the halftime break with a comfortable two-goal cushion, having restricted Mozambique’s “Mambas” to speculative long-range efforts that failed to trouble the Nigerian backline.
The second half began much like the first, with Nigeria striking almost immediately after the restart. In the 47th minute, Lookman turned provider, lofting a perfectly weighted ball into the box for Osimhen to header home, securing his brace and effectively ending any hope of a Mozambican comeback. The scoring was rounded out in the 75th minute by Akor Adams, whose tireless performance was rewarded with a powerful strike that marked his first international goal for the senior team.
Beyond the scoreline, the victory was historic for several reasons. Nigeria became the first team in the 2025 tournament to win four consecutive matches and reached a total of 12 goals, making them the highest-scoring side in the competition so far. Defensively, the team also celebrated its first clean sheet of the tournament, with Calvin Bassey marshaling the defense with composure, despite a late yellow card for Bassey that will see him suspended for the next round.
With this emphatic result, the Super Eagles have secured their place in the quarter-finals, scheduled for Sunday, January 10, in Marrakesh. They now await the winner of the clash between Algeria and the DR Congo. As the tournament moves into its final stages, Nigeria’s “Red-Hot” duo of Lookman and Osimhen—who between them have contributed the bulk of the team’s goals and assists—has firmly established the Super Eagles as the favorites to lift their fourth continental crown.
