Nigeria announced themselves in emphatic fashion, steamrolling Mozambique 4–0 to storm into the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. It was the Super Eagles’ most complete performance of the tournament; clinical in attack, disciplined in defence and orchestrated from deep by a masterful Alex Iwobi.
A statement of intent
From the first whistle, Nigeria looked like a team on a mission. Victor Osimhen grabbed a brace, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams added the gloss, but it was Iwobi’s vision and long-range passing that pulled the strings.
Eric Sekou Chelle reverted to his strongest XI after rotating in the group stage, and the decision paid off immediately as the Super Eagles raced into a two-goal lead inside 25 minutes and never looked back.
A clean sheet at last
The headline may be four goals, but the foundation was defensive steel. Chelle’s side finally kept a shutout — a rarity under his tenure — snuffing out every Mozambique threat before it reached the final third. Calvin Bassey marshalled the backline with authority, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was barely troubled. For a team that had struggled to keep the door closed, this was a welcome, confidence-boosting fortress.
The terrifying three up front
Nigeria’s front trio — Osimhen, Lookman and Adams — have become a nightmare for defenders. Their movement, pace and finishing variety make them almost unplayable; each creates space for the others and each can finish in different ways. Add the late-game firepower on the bench and the midfield runners arriving with intent, and you have a multi-headed attacking threat that no coach wants to face.
Chelle cooking up records
The Malian coach is rewriting Nigeria’s AFCON script. Three wins from three in the group stage, the most goals by a Nigerian side at this stage, and now the biggest margin of victory in the nation’s AFCON history — all signs that Chelle’s blueprint is taking hold. The Super Eagles have matched historic goal tallies and become the first Nigerian side to win four consecutive AFCON matches.
A bouquet for Iwobi
Stat sheets rarely capture the invisible work of a midfield conductor, but Iwobi’s influence was unmistakable. His raking passes carved Mozambique open time and again, his first shot forced a smart save, and his clever deliveries set up the goals that followed. Lookman took the match award, but Iwobi’s fingerprints were all over Nigeria’s finest hour of the tournament.
A cloud on an otherwise perfect night
Even a dominant win had its sour notes. Osimhen’s heated exchange with Lookman and his subsequent early substitution cast a shadow over the celebrations. The coach insists the matter will be handled internally, but the striker’s temperament and three yellow cards picked up by the team are reminders that discipline will matter as the competition intensifies. Calvin Bassey’s booking, in particular, could carry consequences if it leads to suspension.
Nigeria left the pitch with a resounding victory and a growing sense of belief. The Super Eagles have goals, structure and momentum — and with Chelle at the helm, they look ready to be a defining force as AFCON moves into its business end.
