In a stunning display of attacking football, Nigeria banished their traditional toil and tension to cruise into the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a 4-0 demolition of Mozambique in Fez.
A Night of Nigerian Flair in the Rain
On a rain-swept evening, the Super Eagles delivered a performance of rare, free-flowing quality that effectively ended the contest before the half-hour mark. Inspired by the brilliant Ademola Lookman, Nigeria raced into an unassailable lead, showcasing a verve seldom associated with a side often burdened by expectation.
Lookman opened the scoring after 20 minutes, lashing a finish into the top corner for his third goal of the tournament following a clever cutback from Akor Adams. Just five minutes later, the Atalanta winger turned provider, his cross turned in by the prolific Victor Osimhen. The same deadly combination struck again two minutes after the restart, killing the tie, before Adams completed the rout with a powerful fourth from another Lookman assist.
Contrasting Fortunes for Tournament Giants
Nigeria's emphatic progress stood in stark contrast to the laboured efforts of fellow heavyweights Egypt earlier in the day. The Pharaohs, record seven-time champions, needed extra-time to overcome Benin 3-1, with Mohamed Salah scoring his third goal of the tournament to seal the win.
While Egypt's potential remains undeniable, their performance highlighted the gulf between promise and delivery. Nigeria, meanwhile, are writing a refreshingly different story. Despite the familiar backdrop of off-field issues—including unpaid coaching staff and media disputes—Eric Chelle's side are playing with a gleeful abandon not seen in generations.
Firepower and Questions Ahead of the Quarters
The victory, admittedly against a Mozambique side making their knockout-stage debut, was Nigeria's most complete of the campaign. After conceding in all three group games, they kept a clean sheet while unleashing their formidable attack.
The partnership between Lookman, operating as a number 10, and the world-class movement of Osimhen has been devastating. Supported by the composed Alex Iwobi and the industry of Frank Onyeka, this is an unusually attack-minded Nigerian setup, a far cry from the stodgy team eliminated by DR Congo in World Cup qualifying.
Whether they possess the defensive discipline to overcome stronger opponents remains the critical question. However, with Lookman in electrifying form and Osimhen's predatory instincts, Nigeria possess the firepower to challenge for a fourth AFCON title. For the first time in years, watching the Super Eagles is simply a pleasure.
