BY OUR FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT IN FEZ
VICTOR OSIMHEN and Ademola Lookman proved they are the undisputed Kings of Africa as Nigeria’s superstars tore Mozambique to shreds in a 4-0 demolition.
The Super Eagles didn’t just win; they delivered a statement of intent that will be heard from Lagos to London. In a ruthless display of attacking football at the Stade de Fès, Nigeria’s “Big Three” turned the Round of 16 clash into a personal playground, securing a spot in the quarter-finals with terrifying ease.
The carnage began in the 20th minute when former Everton man Alex Iwobi—pulling the strings like a master conductor—threaded a needle to Akor Adams.
The Sevilla striker unselfishly squared for Ademola Lookman, who coolly slotted home to open the floodgates.
But the night truly belonged to the masked assassin, Victor Osimhen.
The Galatasaray talisman, who has been linked with every giant in the Premier League, doubled the lead just five minutes later.
After a slick exchange between Iwobi and Lookman, Osimhen was on hand to poke home from close range, celebrating with the ferocity of a man who knows the trophy is within reach.
Mozambique, making their first-ever appearance in an AFCON knockout match, looked like rabbits in the headlights of a Nigerian freight train. Just two minutes into the second half, the game was over as a contest.
Lookman, in a Man of the Match performance, danced down the byline and served it on a silver platter for Osimhen to tap in his second of the night.
Osimhen was withdrawn shortly after—much to his visible frustration as he hunted a hat-trick—but the goals didn’t stop.
In the 75th minute, Lookman turned provider yet again, teeing up Akor Adams to thunder a fourth into the roof of the net.
It was a night where the superstars lived up to the billing.
With Lookman’s magic, Iwobi’s vision, and Osimhen’s clinical edge, Nigeria look like a team that won’t just compete for the title—they might just steamroll everyone in their path.
The Mambas came to Fez dreaming of an upset, but they were bitten by the best in the business.
On this evidence, the rest of Africa should be very, very afraid.
