Nigeria’s Super Eagles produced a statement performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, dismantling Mozambique 4–0 in a one-sided round-of-16 clash to book their place in the quarter-finals. The gulf in quality was so evident that Mozambique’s key players openly admitted Nigeria’s superiority after the match.
Hosted in Morocco, AFCON 2025 has delivered its share of shocks and standout moments, but Nigeria’s demolition of the Mambas ranks among the most dominant displays of the tournament. From the first whistle, the Super Eagles controlled every aspect of the game with relentless pressing, sharp attacking combinations, and a disciplined defensive structure that left Mozambique with little room to breathe.
Nigeria’s fluid movement and clinical finishing ensured the contest was effectively decided long before the final whistle, underlining their credentials as genuine title contenders.
Mandava’s Honest Take: “Nigeria Deserved It All”
Mozambique defender Reinildo Mandava was forthright in his post-match assessment, praising Nigeria’s intensity and quality. The Sunderland full-back admitted his side struggled to match the Super Eagles’ tempo and cohesion.
“Nigeria is a big team, so they deserve to win this game,” Mandava said. “They gave everything and created more chances than us. We did not play well, but that is football. Even against a big team like Nigeria, they deserved to win because they gave everything on the pitch.”
Despite the disappointment, Mandava struck a defiant tone about the future.
“Now we will go home, continue working, keep fighting, and prepare for another opportunity,” he added.
His comments reflected the respect Nigeria commanded on the night, as their performance turned the match into a showcase of authority and control.
Amade Reflects: “It Was Too Easy for Them”
Midfielder Alfons Amade echoed Mandava’s sentiments but expressed deeper frustration with Mozambique’s collective performance. He pointed to a lack of unity and intensity as the decisive factor in their heavy defeat.
“We have to be on one hundred percent to compete against teams like this,” Amade explained. “If we play with half our strength, it will not be enough. If everyone plays their own game, it is not enough. Against them, you must play as a team in defence and in attack, and that was not the case.”
Amade admitted that Nigeria found the game easier than it should have been.
“I do not think we disappointed our people, but we could have presented ourselves better. We came here to win the tournament, and in my opinion, it was too easy for Nigeria. That makes me angry and sad,” he said.
Pride Amid Pain for Mozambique
Despite the heavy exit, AFCON 2025 represents a significant milestone for Mozambique. The Mambas reached the knockout stages for only the third time in their history and recorded their first-ever AFCON victory with a dramatic 3–2 group-stage win over Gabon.
For Nigeria, the journey continues with confidence and momentum. Their emphatic victory serves as a warning to the remaining contenders as the Super Eagles march into the quarter-finals looking every bit like a team built for continental glory.
