Nigeria Hit Four in AFCON Knockout for First Time in 32 Years

• Nigeria delivered a historic performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring four goals in a knockout match for the first time in 32 years as the Super Eagles cruised past Mozambique 4–0 to book a place in the quarter-finals.

Nigeria recorded a historic Africa Cup of Nations knockout victory on Monday night, scoring four goals in a knockout match for the first time in 32 years as the Super Eagles thrashed Mozambique 4–0 to reach the quarter-finals.

The last time Nigeria achieved the feat was at AFCON Tunisia 1994, when the Super Eagles defeated South Africa 4–0 on their way to lifting the title. In Fez, history repeated itself as Nigeria delivered a dominant and ruthless performance.

Victor Osimhen led the charge with a brace, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams also found the net as the Super Eagles maintained their perfect record at the tournament with four wins from four matches.

Nigeria entered the last-16 tie as overwhelming favourites against Mozambique, who were appearing in the AFCON knockout stages for the first time, and the gulf in quality was evident from the opening minutes.

Osimhen thought he had given Nigeria an early lead, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Alex Iwobi and Semi Ajayi both went close as Nigeria continued to apply pressure.

The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute when Iwobi released Adams down the left side of the box. The forward squared the ball across goal for Lookman, who calmly finished to make it 1–0.

Five minutes later, Nigeria doubled their advantage. Iwobi produced a precise no-look pass from midfield to pick out Lookman, whose low cross was flicked on by Adams for Osimhen to tap home from close range.

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Any hopes of a Mozambican comeback were extinguished just two minutes into the second half. Lookman once again caused problems down the left flank before delivering a perfect ball for Osimhen to score his second goal of the night at the far post.

Nigeria completed the rout in the 75th minute as Lookman registered his third assist of the match, slipping Adams through on goal for the forward to smash in his third international goal and seal a memorable night.

The emphatic victory sends a strong message to the rest of the contenders as Nigeria advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face either Algeria or DR Congo in Marrakech on Saturday.