Nigeria dominated Mozambique in a strong display full of determination, focus, and precision during a match in Fès on Monday night, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations.
Victor Osimhen, who reached his 50th cap for the senior team, scored after just two minutes following a cross from Bright Osayi-Samuel, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Defender Semi Ajayi, who had missed the previous game against Uganda, scored Nigeria’s first goal of the tournament early on with a header, but the Mozambican goalkeeper saved it.
About 25 minutes into the game, Nigeria created another chance, and Ademola Lookman scored with a header from a cross by Akor Adams, who had been set up by Alex Iwobi.
Iwobi continued to shine, setting up Lookman on the left, who then linked with Osimhen for Nigeria’s second goal, which was Osimhen’s 33rd in 50 matches for the national team.
Iwobi nearly scored himself in the 37th minute, but the opposing goalkeeper saved his shot, sending the ball out for a corner.
Nigeria started the second half with the same intensity, and Osimhen scored again, this time after Lookman maneuvered past the defenders, giving Nigeria their third goal and Osimhen his 34th senior goal.
Just four minutes later, Osayi-Samuel had a chance to make it 4-0, but his shot from the edge of the box was just wide.
Akor Adams added his first AFCON goal and his third for Nigeria, scoring a powerful shot into the top corner after a perfect pass from Lookman.
Lookman had another chance in the 78th minute, but his shot was just wide, and substitute Raphael Onyedika also missed with a shot in the final minutes.
With the win, Nigeria is set to face the winner of the Round of 16 match between Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria, which will take place in Rabat.
The quarter-final will be held at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Saturday.
