Nigeria's Super Eagles secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Mozambique's Mambas in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16, advancing to the quarter-finals. The win, marked by goals from Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, and Ademola Lookman, was Nigeria’s most convincing performance in Morocco and their first clean sheet of the tournament, having conceded in their previous three group stage matches.

For Mozambique, the defeat was met with raw emotion and brutally honest self-assessment. Midfielder Alfons Amade, a prominent figure for the Mambas, expressed deep disappointment. He admitted that his side was completely outplayed by the Super Eagles, falling significantly short of the standard required to compete with an African football heavyweight. Amade did not shy away from criticism, stating, “Not good enough from start to finish.” He lamented that Nigeria found it “far too easy” to create chances, a level of play unacceptable for a team aiming for a win. Despite arriving at AFCON with ambition to compete aggressively, Amade found the manner of the defeat particularly hard to accept, feeling that Mozambique’s performance was not “near enough in every aspect of the game.” While frustrated, he credited Nigeria for their clinical display, acknowledging they used their chances effectively.

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove, who missed the Super Eagles clash due to fitness concerns, echoed the sentiment of lessons learned. He praised his teammates for their effort, humbly suggesting that his presence wouldn't necessarily have made a difference, as “everyone is important” and the players “did everything they could.” Dove acknowledged that Mozambique’s game plan didn’t unfold as intended but viewed the experience as a valuable lesson for future improvement. He also reflected on Mozambique’s journey to the knockout stages, a feat unexpected by many, attributing it to the team’s “camaraderie, unity and determination.” Despite the loss, Dove expressed admiration for Nigeria and personal support for his former Kaizer Chiefs teammate, Stanley Nwabali, hoping Nigeria would go on to win the trophy.

From the Nigerian camp, there was a sense of satisfaction, particularly regarding the clean sheet. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who had just 22 touches and made no saves against Mozambique, playfully claimed he was on “holiday.” He praised the team’s unity, stating, “From the coach to the players, they are one family.” Nwabali emphasized the clean sheet as a significant improvement and a crucial step in the tournament, believing that more clean sheets would lead them further. Similarly, Super Eagles right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel lauded the team’s “phenomenal game” and highlighted the clean sheet as paramount for the defenders, especially after conceding late in previous matches. He credited coach Eric Chelle’s tactical setup for the team's improvement and growing confidence, noting the intelligence of players like Alex Iwobi, whose “line-splitting passes” were instrumental in creating three of Nigeria’s four goals. Osayi-Samuel described the win as a “statement win,” showcasing the team’s quality and collective growth in a new formation.

Head coach Eric Chelle, while pleased with the 4-0 victory, adopted a cautious and measured tone. He warned that the “real challenge” of AFCON was just beginning, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and maintaining the team’s positive dynamic and mental sharpness. Chelle praised the tournament’s excellent organization, which allowed his players to focus solely on football. He hailed the clean sheet as an “important milestone” for the defensive unit, comprising Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and Bruno Onyemaechi, who provided strong protection for Nwabali. As Nigeria prepares to move to Marrakech for the quarter-finals, Chelle stressed that this progression only increases the demands on his squad, requiring them to “work more.” He refused to express a preference for their next opponent, either DR Congo or Algeria, asserting that whoever they face, it will be a “great fight.” Chelle concluded by outlining his simple vision: “To improve with every game.”

Nigeria, now the highest-scoring team in Morocco with 12 goals, will face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between DR Congo and Algeria in the quarter-finals.