The Super Eagles made a point, brushed aside Mozambique 4–0 at the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night, a sharp, confident display that sent them into the quarter-finals and showed their growing authority in the tournament.
From the first whistle, Nigeria were quicker, smarter and more decisive. Their movement stretched Mozambique, their finishing punished every mistake, and the contest was effectively settled long before full time.
A brace from Victor Oshimen and two others from Ademola Lookman and Adams Akor.
Four games in, the numbers speak clearly, four wins, 12 goals scored and a team that looks more assured with each outing.
The clean sheet was especially welcome, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and his defenders enjoying their first shutout of the campaign.
Victor Osimhen led the charge once again. Relentless and demanding, the Galatasaray striker continues to close in on Rashidi Yekini’s long-standing national record of 37 goals. His hunger set the tone.
Ademola Lookman matched him stride for stride. The winger has taken this AFCON personally, racking up seven goal contributions in just three matches, three goals and four assists and giving Nigeria constant edge in attack.
A brief on-field disagreement between Osimhen and Lookman drew attention, but it barely mattered. Lookman had already set up Osimhen’s second goal, and both players quickly played down the moment.
“What happens in the group stays in the group,” coach Éric Chelle said.
“Nothing happened,” Lookman added. “It was just a discussion on the pitch and we are brothers.”
Behind the forwards, Alex Iwobi ran the game with calm authority, while Akor Adams delivered when it mattered, earning praise from Paul Onuachu.
“He works hard,” Onuachu said. “I’m happy he finally got his goal.”
Moses Simon watched on, eager for more minutes, as the team’s balance and intelligence continued to stand out.
“Our game is about intelligence, not just physicality,” said Bright Osayi-Samuel. “We are fully focused on the 2025 AFCON.”
The confidence in camp was quiet but firm.
“We’ll work even harder for the next game,” promised Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Frank Onyeka was equally clear-eyed.
“Whether it’s Algeria or DR Congo, we’re ready.”
There was support from afar too. Fulham fan Abby Soltis and her parents flew in from the UK to back the Super Eagles, hoping to see Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze in action.
Bassey appreciated the gesture.
“I’m so happy they came. I hope they keep supporting us,” he said.
Wilfred Ndidi summed up the mood best.
“We must keep improving. Victor showed the right attitude.”
With Éric Chelle pulling the strings, Nigeria look a team growing at the right time. They now head to Marrakech for a quarter-final against Algeria or DR Congo.
