AFCON Update: Nigeria destroys Mozambique in Osimhen's show of shame

AFCON: Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique – Super Eagles cruise to quarters (Lookman, Osimhen x2, Akor Adams goals); Iwobi masterclass; face Algeria/Congo next.

Victor Osimhen celebrates with Ademola Lookman in Nigeria's 4-0 win over Mozambique in their Round of 16 encounter in Morocco, before Osimhen instigated a fight that led to the Galatasaray man being substituted. (Photo credit: BBC)

The Super Eagles of Nigeria booked their place in the quarter-final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after a dominant 4-0 win over Mozambique.

Eric Chelle restored eight players whom he took out for the final group game against Uganda, and it didn't take long for the three-time African champions to show intent, with Victor Osimhen seeing his early effort ruled out for offside.

Mozambique went into the game having already achieved what no other Mozambican side had achieved in the past. For the first time in their history, they won a game at AFCON and qualified for the round of 16.

Mozambique was a happy underdog, and it was reflected in how they approached the game against their more illustrious African opponents. While the Super Eagles started on the front foot, Mozambique was content to soak up pressure and defend deep.

Nigeria took the deserved lead in the 20th minute after a pass of outrageous quality from Alex Iwobi found Adams Akor on the flanks, and the Sevilla forward fed Ademola Lookman in the box for Nigeria's opener.

One became two just five minutes later. Alex Iwobi once again sent one brilliant line-breaking pass to Ademola Lookman; the Atalanta man sent one into the box, and it deflected off Akor to Victor Osimhen, who tapped in from close range.

Mozambique didn't offer anything going forward as the half ended roundly in favour of the 2013 champions. It took only two minutes of the restart for Nigeria to make it three, with the same group of players contributing to the goal.

Alex Iwobi connected with Lookman on the left flank, and the 2024 African Footballer of the Year fed the man he took the prestigious crown from, Osimhen, with the Galatasaray man making no mistake from two yards out.

Mozambique tried to string passes together, build from the back, and own their own territory, but all to no avail as Nigeria shut the door on them completely. At that point, it was a case of saving pride for the Mozambicans.

Osimhen got dramatic right after the third goal and was duly substituted, as he was pictured fighting his teammates over a delayed pass. His replacement, Moses Simon, was instrumental on the left as Nigeria rounded off scoring not long after.

Lookman got the ball on the left, found Akor Adams in the area, and the Sevilla man blasted past the goalkeeper to make it 4-0. It was the first time in the tournament that a nation had scored four.

Nigeria will play the winner of the game between Algeria and Congo in the quarter-final of the tournament.