AFCON: Super Eagles performance against Mozambique boosts Nigeria’s title hope

Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, title hope received a boost on Monday night after their commanding 4-0 win against Mozambique in Morocco.

Gong-news reports that a brace from Victor Osimhen and a goal each from Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams ensured Nigeria defeated Mozambique in the Round of 16 to qualify for the quarter-final.

Nigeria will now face the winner of Tuesday’s Round of 16 clash between Algeria and DR Congo, in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Marrakech.

Before the Round of 16 encounter against Mozambique, the Super Eagles had won all three group games against Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2), and Uganda (3-1).

Their dominant display against the Mambas in Fes on Monday really shows that they have a steady improvement at the AFCON so far.

Eric Chelle’s men had 62% possession of the ball, registered 21 shots and five corner-kicks, while Mozambique had 38% possession and two shots on goal and no corner-kick.

Hopefully, the Super Eagles will continue with the same momentum in the quarter-finals stage.

The synergy between Osimhen, Lookman, and Adams seems to be solidifying at just the right moment, coinciding with the team’s overall unity.

Against Mozambique, Adams registered two assists setting up Lookman and Osimhen before finding the back of the net himself.

Lookman reciprocated by assisting Osimhen for his other goal, showcasing the impressive synergy among the Super Eagles’ front three, who were responsible for all four goals against the Mambas.

Speaking with reporters after the game, Audu Ojo, the coach of Dawaki Rangers, hailed the Super Eagles for showing hard work and dedication against Mozambique.

Ojo also said he was impressed with the attack line of the Super Eagles, which comprises Osimhen, Lookman and Adams, as he lauded midfielder, Alex Iwobi for his creative passes in the midfield.

“The boys really showed hard work and dedication. With what I saw against Mozambique, I believe the Super Eagles have the quality to compete for the title,” Ojo he said.

“If you watched their group stage matches, you will notice that from their first game against Tanzania to the Round of 16 match against Mozambique, they have really improved in all departments on the pitch, from the defence to the midfield and the attack.

“I am particularly impressed with the attack line. Osimhen, Lookman and Akor really proved that they can break any team’s defence.

“The understanding and teamwork between them was great today. I just hope they keep the form going because for Nigeria to go far in this AFCON, they need these players to continue to be at their best form.

“I also want to give Iwobi kudos for his creativity on the ball in the Super Eagles midfield. I am impressed with him, because his through-ball passes to the attackers really break Mozambique’s defence.

“The Super Eagles’ defence also did well in keeping a clean sheet. Honestly, with what I saw against Mozambique, the Super Eagles showed that they are improving game after game, which is a good thing, and I believe they beat Algeria or DR Congo in the quarter-finals,” he said.