Victor Osimhen scored twice as Nigeria powered into
the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a dominant 4–0 victory
over Mozambique in their last-16 clash on Monday.
Ademola Lookman starred in Fes, opening the scoring
and playing a key role in all four goals as the Super Eagles delivered one of
the most convincing performances of the tournament.
Lookman, a former African Footballer of the Year like
Osimhen, broke the deadlock in the 20th minute after finishing off a cutback
from Akor Adams. Five minutes later, he turned provider, supplying the cross
that was eventually converted by Osimhen for Nigeria’s second goal.
Osimhen, who began the match without his trademark
protective mask before putting it back on, struck again shortly after the
restart. The Galatasaray striker finished off another low delivery from Lookman
in the 47th minute to make it 3–0 and effectively end the contest.
Substitute Akor Adams completed the rout with 15
minutes remaining, rifling home from inside the box after yet another assist
from the impressive Lookman.
The emphatic win represents the biggest margin of
victory in an AFCON knockout match since Egypt’s 4–0 semi-final win over
Algeria at the 2010 tournament in Angola.
Nigeria, eager to make amends for failing to qualify
for the World Cup, will now face either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of
Congo in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Marrakesh. A meeting with DR Congo
would offer the Super Eagles a chance to avenge their penalty shootout defeat
to the Leopards in a World Cup qualifying play-off last November.
Mozambique, making their first-ever appearance in the
knockout stage after progressing as one of the best third-placed teams, were
outclassed by a Nigerian side that featured several changes from the group
phase.
Coach Eric Chelle recalled key players including
Lookman, who had also scored in Nigeria’s group-stage win over Tunisia, and the
decision paid off handsomely as the Super Eagles dominated from start to
finish.
Osimhen, the 2023 African Footballer of the Year, now
has three goals at the tournament after ending a seven-game AFCON scoring
drought earlier in the competition.
Nigeria’s commanding display sends a clear warning to
the remaining contenders as the Super Eagles continue their quest for
continental glory.
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