It took just five ruthless minutes in the first half for this Africa Cup of Nations last-16 tie to be effectively decided. Ademola Lookman struck first, before Victor Osimhen quickly doubled the advantage, leaving Mozambique stunned and with little realistic hope of a comeback.

The early double blow exposed the gulf in quality between the two sides. Mozambique simply did not have the depth, intensity or attacking threat required to respond, and while they battled on, the contest felt one-sided long before the interval.

The result sends Nigeria confidently into the quarter-finals, but sterner tests lie ahead. In the next round, the Super Eagles will face the winner of the heavyweight clash between Algeria and DR Congo .

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Nigeria - Mozambique 4:0 (2:0)
Goals: Lookman, 20 (1:0); Osimhen, 25 (2:0); Osimhen, 47 (3:0); Adams Ak., 75 (4:0)

Nigeria: Nwabili; Osayi-Samuel; Ndidi (Onyedika, 83); Ajayi; Onyemaechi; Bassey; Onyeka (Dele-Bashiru F., 83); Lookman (Onuachu, 86); Osimhen (Simon M., 68); Iwobi; Adams Ak. (Chukwueze, 86)
Substitution: Simon M. (from 68); Dele-Bashiru F. (from 83); Onyedika (from 83); Chukwueze (from 86); Onuachu (from 86)
Bench: Uzoho; Obasogie; Sanusi; Ogbu; Awaziem; Nnadi; Usman Edu; Akinsanmiro; Ejuke; Lawal Sal.
Yellow Cards: Ndidi 38; Onyeka 45; Bassey 90

Mozambique: Siluane (Urubal, 82); Langa; Reinildo; Mexer; Diogo Calila (Nanani, 46); Amade; Guimaraes R.; Domingues (Kambala, 46); Catamo; Witi J. (Alfândega, 61); Bangal (Ratifo, 67)
Substitution: Nanani (from 46); Kambala (from 46); Alfândega (from 61); Ratifo (from 67); Urubal (from 82)
Bench: Nené; Chamboco; Dove; Cherene; Abdala K.; Bonde; Gildo; Alexandre M.
Yellow Cards: Bangal 62