The Tremendous Eagles are within the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). They did that in grand model, feasting on the Mambas of Mozambique.
With a 4-0 victory, Nigeria are the primary staff to document the most important win thus far within the continental showpiece.
A brace from the talismanic Victor Osimhen and one every from Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams have been sufficient for the Tremendous Eagles to land within the quarter-finals.
Eric Chelle’s males made it for wins our of 4 whereas sustaining a clear sheet within the course of.
5 Takeaways From Nigeria vs Mozambique
Listed here are 5 key observations from Nigeria’s conflict with the Mambas of Mozambique.
Osimhen, Lookman Shine Lead Nigeria’s Cost
Going into the AFCON, Osimhen and Lookman have been anticipated to spearhead the Tremendous Eagles cost for the continental crown.
The gamers, who gained the African Participant of the Yr awards in 2023 and 2024, have lived as much as that tag now, main Nigeria’s quest for a fourth AFCON trophy.
On Tuesday, each scored three objectives to assist Nigeria attain the final 4. Osimhen has now bagged three objectives within the match, the identical as Lookman. However the latter has 4 assists thus far, placing him in competition for the participant of the competitors prize.
For each attacking transfer, Lookman was an ever current determine. The tempo and trickery of the Atalanta man was an excessive amount of for the Mozambicans to take care of on the evening in Fez.
Iwobi’s Pivotal Position
However for all of their objectives and assists, one man was within the midfield dictating play together with his precision passes: Alex Iwobi. The Fulham man, who has been the topic of intense criticism for his performances with the Tremendous Eagles, is in hearth this AFCON. His pre-assists have been instrumental to Nigeria’s flying begin to life in Morocco. The previous Arsenal participant confirmed why he’s one among Nigeria’s finest creators.
With Frank Onyeka being a mainstay in midfield, Iwobi has been capable of dictate play nearly comfortably combining successfully with the entrance males and performing some defending when essential.
He’s anticipated to proceed in that high-quality type because the Tremendous Eagles push for an additional crown.
A primary cleansheet at AFCON 2025
Iwobi’s creativity might have been essential to Nigeria’s goalscoring type on the AFCON – the Tremendous Eagles have discovered the web 12 instances in 4 video games, the best within the competitors thus far. For all of their objectives, nonetheless, considerations over the defensive setup have turn into pronounced particularly when the staff conceeded in all group stage video games, notably, letting two in towards Tunisia regardless of racing right into a 3-0 lead.
However for the primary time within the 2025 AFCON, the three-time African champions weren’t breached; preserving a cleansheet in a recreation the place goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was barely examined.
Calvin Baseey although not often troubled in defence was just like a brickwall for Nigerian when known as upon. He and Samuel Ajayi confirmed an air of confidence and composure typical of the Italian defence of previous. They have been capable of deny Mozambique a shot on course all through the match.
A Deserved Reward for Ako Adams
Aside from preserving a cleansheet, one participant who shone like one million stars towards the Mambas was Akor Adams. The hardworking Sevilla man scored Nigeria’s fourth objective within the recreation, a reward for his urgent, consistency and flexibility that noticed him terrorise the Southern Africans.
An Altercation on the Pitch
Whereas the victory was easy, an off area altercation between Osimhen and Lookman threatened to take the shine off the staff. The Galatasaray ahead was seen exchanging phrases together with his teammate when the Tremendous Eagles have been already 3-0 up.
Osimhen was later subbed and stormed into the tunnel on the last whistle. However Lookman says there aren’t any points together with his teammate.
What Subsequent For Nigeria?
Now that the Mozambique recreation is over, the Tremendous Eagles await the winner of the match between Algeria and DR Congo to know their subsequent foe.
In the event that they get Algeria, Nigeria will likely be hoping to avenge their 2019 semi last defeat within the AFCON after Riyadh Mahrez sealed victory within the ninety fifth minute for the North Africans.
And if DR Congo scale by way of, the three-time champions can be in search of to revive delight and get one over The Leopards who defeated them within the last of the World Cup play-off.
That match is on Saturday with the winner reserving a ticket to the semi-final.
