LIVE: Nigeria 4–0 Mozambique – Akor Adams fires superb strike

Nigeria took a firm grip on their Africa Cup of Nations last-16 clash after scoring twice in a devastating first-half spell against Mozambique.

The Super Eagles’ early dominance paid off in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman broke the deadlock, finishing calmly from close range after a well-worked move involving Alex Iwobi and Akor Adams.

Mozambique were still reeling from that setback when Nigeria struck again five minutes later. In the 25th minute, Victor Osimhen doubled the lead, tapping home from inside the box after another dangerous delivery, with Akor Adams again turning provider.

Nigeria came close to extending their lead on 45 minutes when Akor Adams showed quick footwork to beat Reinildo before curling a shot narrowly wide of the far post from outside the box.

In first-half stoppage time, Mozambique earned a free-kick on the left side of Nigeria’s penalty area, but the Super Eagles held firm to see out the three minutes of added time without conceding.

Making their first-ever appearance in the 1xBet AFCON knockout stage, Mozambique found it difficult to get out of their half, while Nigeria looked confident, organised and hungry for more goals as the referee brought the first half to a close.

Half-time score: Nigeria 2–0 Mozambique

SECOND HALF!

Nigeria have picked up right where they left off after the restart, with Victor Osimhen striking again to extend the Super Eagles’ lead.

Moments into the second half, Osimhen unleashed a fierce effort that beat the Mozambique goalkeeper, making it 3-0 and putting Nigeria firmly in command of the last-16 encounter.

Mozambique come close to pulling one back as Witi races onto a ball over the top, but Wilfred Ndidi recovers superbly to block the shot and keep Nigeria’s clean sheet intact.

Mozambique goalkeeper Siluane is down again, receiving treatment, with strapping applied to his left knee as play is briefly halted.

Nigeria remain in control as the Super Eagles manage the game and limit Mozambique’s attacking threats.

Very close! Almost a fourth for Nigeria!

61 mins- Mozambique make a third change, replacing Witi with 21-year-old forward Chamito.

63-65 mins- Mozambique’s Faizal Bangal is booked for a blatant shirt pull on Calvin Bassey near the centre circle. Shortly after, goalkeeper Ernan shows excellent reflexes, diving to his left to push Akor Adams’ curling strike behind.

Meanwhile, despite leading 3–0, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have a brief heated exchange inside the Mozambique box after winning a corner. The pair argue and demand more from each other, and the resulting delivery fails to threaten the goal.

Substitution: Nigeria make their first change of the second half as Victor Osimhen, who has scored twice tonight and three goals in the tournament, makes way for Moses Simon.

75 mins – Goal!! Akor Adams makes it a fourth! Nigeria becomes first country to score four goals in this tournament!

80 mins -A penalty shout just now as Nigeria players appeal for a handball in the box, but our referee is unsurprisingly unsympathetic.

83 mins -Late in the game, coach Eric Chelle makes a double substitution, with Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka making way for Onyedika and Dele-Bashiru.

Mozambique are also forced into a change as goalkeeper Siluane, still struggling with injury, is replaced by Urrubal.

86 mins – The final changes of the evening as Lookman is replaced by Chukwueze and Adams by Onuachu.