Nigeria Triumphs Over Mozambique, Secures AFCON Quarterfinal Berth. City, Country — Fes, Morocco — January 5, 2026 Victor Osimhen’s brace and Ademola Lookman’s hat-trick propelled Nigeria to a commanding 4-0 victory over Mozambique, booking their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinals.
The Super Eagles’triumph came in their last-16 tie at the Fes Stadium, marking the biggest winning margin in an AFCON knockout tie since Egypt’s 4-0 win over Algeria in the 2010 tournament.
Lookman, a former African footballer of the year winner, opened the scoring for Nigeria after 20 minutes. He then set up the other three goals on the night, including Osimhen’s first goal, which came on the 25th minute.
Osimhen restored his trademark mask before scoring his second goal just after half — time, with Akor Adams sealing the win.
The 4-0 victory is a significant boost for Nigeria, who are determined to make up for their failure to qualify for the World Cup.
The Super Eagles will face either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the next round, scheduled for Saturday in Marrakesh. Mozambique, appearing in the knockout phase of an AFCON for the first time after advancing as one of the best third-placed sides in the group stage, were no match for a Nigerian team that was much-changed from their final group game.
Atalanta forward Lookman, who scored in the 3-2 win over Tunisia in the second group match, was among those brought back into the lineup.
Osimhen, the 2023 African player of the year, had gone seven AFCON matches without scoring before netting against Tunisia in the group stage. He now has three goals to his name at the tournament in Morocco.
The win for Nigeria comes as Egypt needed extra time to overcome Benin 3-1 to book their place in the next round, where either Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso await.
