Nigeria advanced to the quarter-finals of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament with a decisive 4-0 victory over Mozambique on Monday. The round of 16 match, played at the Sports Complex stadium in Fes, Morocco, marked a significant win for the Nigerian national team and their pursuit of the AFCON title. This result secured Nigeria’s place among the final eight teams in the competition.
The game took place on January 5, 2026, as part of the knockout stage of the tournament. Nigeria now awaits the outcome of Tuesday’s match between Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo to determine their quarter-final opponent. This is currently the largest margin of victory in the ongoing round of 16 fixtures.
Nigeria’s Dominant Performance at AFCON
Nigeria entered the match as favorites, and they lived up to expectations through a commanding performance. The team demonstrated strong offensive capabilities and a solid defensive structure, preventing Mozambique from mounting any significant threats. This win builds on Nigeria’s performance in the group stage, where they displayed a resilience that suggests a strong contention for the championship.
Key Moments in the Match
Details regarding the specific goalscorers and match progression weren’t immediately available, but reports indicated a consistent Nigerian pressure that resulted in the goal-fest. The early stages of the game likely set the tone, allowing Nigeria to dictate the pace and control possession. Mozambique struggled to contain the Nigerian attack throughout the 90 minutes.
Historically, Nigeria has been a powerhouse in African football, boasting three AFCON titles – victories in 1980, 1994, and 2013. However, their recent performances have been inconsistent, with early exits in the 2019 and 2021 editions. This current run marks a positive shift and rekindles hopes among Nigerian fans for a fourth title.
The 2026 Africa Cup of Nations is being held in Morocco, having been moved from its originally scheduled host nation, Guinea. This change was made in 2022 due to infrastructure concerns in Guinea, as reported by CAF (Confederation of African Football). Morocco has a strong tradition of hosting major football events and possesses the necessary facilities to accommodate the tournament.
The Nigerian squad features a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents with players like Calvin Bassey and Cyriel Dessers playing key roles in the victory against Mozambique. Their tactical approach seems effective in exploiting weaknesses in opposing defenses, evidenced by the four goals scored. A strong midfield presence and coordinated attacking movements were pivotal to their success.
Several other teams have already secured their places in the quarter-finals, including Senegal, who defeated hosts Ivory Coast in a penalty shootout. The competition is proving to be fiercely contested, with a number of unexpected results adding to the excitement. The remaining round of 16 matches will determine the complete quarter-final lineup, increasing the anticipation for the next stage of the tournament.
Looking ahead, Nigeria’s path to the semi-finals will depend on their performance against either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo. These teams are known for their tactical discipline and physical strength, presenting a different challenge than Mozambique. The quarter-final match is expected to take place within the next few days, though the exact date and time have yet to be officially announced by CAF. The performance of the Super Eagles in this next round will be closely monitored by football fans across the continent, and the outcome remains uncertain.
The remaining schedule of the football tournament, including quarter-final and potential semi-final dates, will be crucial in determining the ultimate champion of African football. Further updates on team conditions, potential injuries and tactical formations are likely to emerge as the tournament progresses.
