Eagles Score Twice in 25 Minutes for First Time in AFCON Knockout History
Nigeria booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 with an emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique, a performance that carried both dominance and history.
For the first time in the 21st century, and for the first time ever in a knockout match at AFCON, the Super Eagles scored twice within the opening 25 minutes.
The early blitz set the tone for a commanding display that saw Nigeria ease through the round of 16 without ever needing to hit top gear.
Victor Osimhen thought he had given his side the perfect start in the second minute, only for VAR to rule his effort out for offside.
The warning shot proved decisive, however, as Nigeria continued to press with confidence and control.
The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman finished calmly to put Nigeria ahead. Just five minutes later, Osimhen made no mistake, doubling the lead with a composed strike inside the box.
The two-goal cushion at half-time reflected Nigeria’s dominance, and there was no let-up after the restart.
Lookman turned provider in the 47th minute, setting up Osimhen to complete his brace and effectively end the contest. Mozambique struggled to gain a foothold, with winger Geny Catamo kept quiet by a disciplined Nigerian defence marshalled superbly by Calvin Bassey.
Nigeria added further gloss to the scoreline in the 70th minute when Akor Adams struck the fourth, having earlier contributed two assists.
It capped a commanding display as the Super Eagles recorded their fourth straight win of the tournament, their first such streak from group stage into knockout rounds.
The victory also marked Nigeria’s 62nd win in AFCON history, second only to Egypt’s 64, and ensured they avoided conceding their 100th goal in the competition.
With Osimhen and Lookman both on three goals apiece and firmly in contention for the Golden Boot, Nigeria’s attack looks primed for the challenges ahead.
The Super Eagles will face either Algeria or DR Congo in the last eight, with that tie to be decided on Tuesday.
