The Super Eagles of Nigeria booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with a commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique in Fes on Monday night.

Two goals in the space of five first-half minutes set the tone for a dominant Round of 16 performance, as Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen put Nigeria firmly in control before the break. Osimhen added his second shortly after half-time, with Akor Adams rounding off an emphatic win late on.

Fresh from a flawless group-stage campaign, Nigeria returned to the Fes Stadium with confidence, and head coach Eric Chelle showed his faith in continuity by naming the same starting line-up that impressed against Tunisia. Lookman, Frank Onyeka, Stanley Nwabali and Adams all retained their places.

The Super Eagles wasted little time asserting their authority. Osimhen thought he had opened the scoring early on when he turned in Onyeka’s cross, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. Semi Ajayi then came close, but his goal-bound header was dramatically cleared off the line.

Nigeria’s pressure eventually told in the 20th minute. Alex Iwobi split the Mozambican defence with a clever pass to Adams, who unselfishly teed up Lookman to finish with composure. Five minutes later, Iwobi was again the architect, as Lookman’s delivery was flicked on by Adams for Osimhen to tap in from close range.

The Eagles struck again almost immediately after the restart. Lookman turned provider once more, squaring for Osimhen to complete his brace and effectively end the contest. Mozambique were spared further punishment by a series of fine saves from goalkeeper Alberto Siluane.

But Nigeria were not to be denied a fourth. With 15 minutes remaining, Adams capped an impressive display by firing into the roof of the net for his maiden AFCON goal, sealing another convincing night’s work.

The Super Eagles now march into the last eight and will head to Marrakesh, where a mouth-watering quarter-final clash against Algeria awaits.