How Nigeria cruised past Mozambique to book AFCON 2025 quarter-final place
SOURCE:The Athletic|BY:Max Mathews and Ed Mackey
Nigeria’s frontline were in top form as they dismantled Mozambique to ease into the last eight
Nigeria’s frontline were in top form as they dismantled Mozambique to ease into the last eight
Max Mathews and Ed Mackey
January 6, 2026 at 9:27 AM EST
Nigeria will face either Algeria or DR Congo in the next round. Getty Images
Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique — AFCON result
Nigeria have booked their AFCON 2025 quarter-final place after thumping Mozambique in the last 16.
Ademola Lookman finished into the top corner from Akor Adams' square pass to open the scoring in the 20th minute.
Then two Victor Osimhen goals either side of half-time put Nigeria in full command of the tie. Akor Adams got in on the goalscoring act by thumping his first goal of the tournament past Ernan Siluane.
Nigeria will face Algeria or DR Congo in the quarter-final on Saturday.
Six last-16 ties down, just two to go — both being played tomorrow.
Here is how the quarter-final line-up is shaping up:
Friday
4pm – Mali vs Senegal
7pm – Cameroon vs Morocco
Saturday
4pm – Algeria/DR Congo vs Nigeria
7pm – Egypt vs Ivory Coast/Burkina Faso
All times GMT
A tough test awaits in the quarter-final
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Nigeria are safely into the quarter-finals, but they don't know their opponent in that game just yet.
What they do know is that it will be either Algeria or DR Congo, who play tomorrow at 4pm GMT — which will be covered live on The Athletic.
Algeria were the only other team, along with Nigeria, to win all three group-stage matches, while DR Congo eliminated Eric Chelle's men from World Cup qualifying.
Whichever team wins that last-16 tie, it will be a tough test for captain Wilfred Ndidi and his team-mates.
Nigeria's quarter-final will be played at 4pm GMT on Saturday — which again, like all the other last-eight ties, will be covered live here on The Athletic.
Those three yellow cards could cost Nigeria later on in the tournament.
Especially that one for Calvin Bassey at the end.
Needless.
Give Alex Iwobi his flowers too
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Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman were all fantastic, but a special word for Alex Iwobi, who was at the heart of everything.
Adams got the goal he deserved
One of the understated heroes of this AFCON campaign for Nigeria has been Akor Adams.
His tireless running and unselfish hold-up attacking play were finally rewarded this evening.
After providing assists for both first-half goals, the Sevilla striker hammered in the fourth, his first of the tournament.
Among many superb performances, Adams was terrific for Nigeria.
Lookman on course for the Golden Ball
At half-time I mentioned Ademola Lookman playing a starring role for Nigeria role at AFCON and the Nigeria winger found a way to go to another level in the second half.
After opening the scoring, he added another two assists to his tally after the interval, laying on chances that were converted by Osimhen and Adams.
It means the Atalanta wideman has three goals and four assists at this year's tournament — at least least three more direct goal involvements than every other player at AFCON.
If he keeps up his form — and Nigeria continue their progression through the knockouts — then he will surely be in contention for the Golden Boot.
Eric Chelle's side breaking records out there
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The first time Nigeria have won their first four matches in a row at an AFCON tournament.
Record-breaking Super Eagles!
Bassey will hope he doesn't rue that late yellow card
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Calvin Bassey picks up a yellow card with one of the last actions of the game which could cost him later in the tournament. So unnecessary.
A four-star Nigeria performance
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That Akor Adams goal means Nigeria are the first team to score four goals in one game at this year's AFCON.
They have 12 goals from their four matches, two more than the next-most prolific team (Senegal, 10).
11 teams have conceded fewer goals than Nigeria at this tournament, though, so that's something for Eric Chelle's men to work on, despite this evening's clean sheet.
FULL TIME: Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
Nigeria are into the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals!
A big win, a clean sheet, no injuries.
Mozambique bow out after a proud and brave performance.
Calvin Bassey is booked
90+4' Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
Calvin Bassey is given a yellow card after dragging down an opponent who had got round him.
Three minutes added on
90+1' Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
Only three more minutes until the end of Mozambique's AFCON 2025 campaign.
90' Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
Into the final minute of the regulation 90 and Nigeria can reflect on a very successful match.
All of the previous AFCON round of 16 matches were relatively close.
This one has been heading one way since very early on indeed.
Raphael Onyedika whacks it over
88' Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
Nice progressive play from Moses Simon down the left, he cuts it back to the edge of the box and sub Onyedika has the chance to shoot.
He hits it first-time but rather gets under it and it is spooned over the crossbar.
And two more changes for Nigeria!
86' Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
The fresh legs keep coming for Nigeria.
Akor Adams makes way for Paul Onuachu, Ademola Lookman off for Samuel Chukwueze.
Just proves the strength in depth for the Super Eagles.
Five changes made by both sides now.
Here come those Nigeria subs
83' Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
On: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika.
Off: Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi (both were booked today).
