AFCON 2025: Osimhen, Lookman fire Nigeria into quarter-final with 4-0 drubbing of Mozambique
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Super Eagles make light work of Os Mambas in Fez
Nigeria, runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, locked in their spot in the quarter-final of this year’s continental tournament by delivering a commanding performance to beat Mozambique and confirm our AFCON 2025 predictions in their last-16 clash in Fez on Monday night.
The warning signs were clear for Os Mambas as early as the second minute when Victor Osimhen found the back of the net for what he thought was the opening goal of the night, but VAR intervened and ruled it out for offside.
The Super Eagles continued to dominate the game and got the breakthrough in the 20th minute through Ademola Lookman, before Osimhen doubled their advantage just five minutes later to give his side a two-goal cushion heading into the halftime break.
Just two minutes into the second half, Eric Chelle's side put the match beyond the reach of Mozambique when Lookman and Osimhen once again linked up, with the Galatasaray star bagging his second of the night.
Mozambique did their best to find a way back into the contest, but Nigeria’s defence, marshalled by Calvin Bassey, remained disciplined throughout, and only allowed their opponents a mere two shots at goal, neither of which forced a save out of Stanley Nwabali between the sticks.
To cap off an emphatic performance, Akor Adams stuck away a fourth goal for the Super Eagles in the 70th minute, adding to the two assists he picked up earlier. Lookman also bagged two assists and a goal, and was named Player of the Match.
Tensions building in Super Eagles camp at AFCON 2025?
Despite Nigeria’s stellar performance in Fez last night, the match will likely be remembered for a different reason, and one that many Super Eagles fans are concerned could derail their side’s chances of reclaiming the continental title.
The incident occurred just after the hour mark when Ademola Lookman lost possession trying to dribble while Victor Osimhen was unmarked in the box. As Lookman went over to take a corner seconds later, Osimhen squared up to the Atalanta attacker, visibly angry, forcing Wilfried Ndidi to intervene.
Moments after the incident, Osimhen gestured to the bench that he wanted to be substituted, and Eric Chelle obliged by bringing on Moses Simon in his place. The issue came as a huge surprise, given Lookman had provided the assists for both of Osimhen’s goals earlier in the match.
However, the drama did not end there. After the final whistle, Osimhen chose not to join his teammates or coaching staff in a huddle on the pitch, but instead went straight down the tunnel and was the first player to leave the dressing room.
