Nigeria eased into the last eight of the Africa Cup of Nations with a comfortable 4–0 victory over Mozambique on Monday. The Super Eagles never looked troubled, advancing with a performance that mixed early efficiency with persistent control.
The tone was set quickly. Although Victor Osimhen had a second-minute finish ruled out for offside, Nigeria’s pressure soon told. Ademola Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute, finishing calmly after a flowing move. Just five minutes later, Osimhen made amends, doubling the lead with a sharp strike from inside the box.
Any hope of a Mozambique response was extinguished shortly after halftime. Lookman turned provider, setting up Osimhen to complete his brace in the 47th minute. Substitute Akor Adams then added a fourth in the 70th minute, capping a dominant display.
Defensively, Nigeria were rarely tested. Calvin Bassey marshaled a solid back line that effectively silenced Mozambique’s attackers, including winger Geny CatamCatamol
With four consecutive wins in the tournament, Nigeria will now face the winner of Tuesday’s clash between Algeria and DR Congo in the quarterfinals.
Earlier, Egypt needed extra time to overcome Benin 3–1 and book their own quarterfinal spot.
Marwan Attia’s superb curling opener was cancelled out late in normal time by Jodel Dossou’s tap-in. In extra time, Yasser Ibrahim restored Egypt’s lead with a powerful header before Mohamed Salah sealed the victory on a clinical breakaway.
The Pharaohs will meet either hosts Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso in the next round.
