Nigeria vs Mozambique LIVE
Nigeria strolled into the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday evening as they routed Mozambique in Fez. Victor Osimhen was at the double for the Super Eagles as they produced a formidable attacking display, with Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi also on top form against the minnows.
For the Mambas it was a first appearance in the knockout rounds of an AFCON tournament, and they seemed to struggle with the weight of the occasion. They were all at sea from the off as Osimhen scored his first mere minutes into the match but saw it ruled out for a narrow offside. They did not do much to grow back into the tie in subsequent exchanges as the Super Eagles laid waste to their back line, eventually breaking the deadlock through Lookman on the 20-minute mark.
Osimhen’s brace came on either side of the half-time break, before Akor Adams scored an emphatic fourth in the dying stages. Catch up with the action as it happened below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis.
Nigeria vs Mozambique latest news
- GOAL! Adams slams home a fourth
- GOAL! Osimhen bags another
- GOAL! Osimhen makes it two
- GOAL! Lookman slams opener home
- NO GOAL! Osimhen strike ruled out
- Nigeria XI
- Mozambique XI
FULL TIME: Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
20:58 , Arthur FerridgeThat does it - through go the Super Eagles!
Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
20:57 , Arthur Ferridge90+2mins: Mozambique’s substitute keeper Urrubal produces a smart save to deny Nigeria’s fifth goal of the evening.
Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
20:55 , Arthur Ferridge90mins: Three more minutes have been added on.
Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
20:51 , Arthur Ferridge86mins: The final changes of the evening as Lookman is replaced by Chukwueze and Adams by Onuachu.
Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
20:48 , Arthur Ferridge82mins: A pair of late substitutions from Eric Chelle as Ndidi and Onyeka come off for Onyedika and Dele-Bashiru.
Mozambique keeper Siluane, evidently injured, is replaced by Urrubal.
Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
20:45 , Arthur Ferridge80mins: A penalty shout just now as Nigeria players appeal for a handball in the box, but our referee is unsurprisingly unsympathetic.
Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
20:43 , Arthur Ferridge78mins: It really goes without saying at this stage, but Nigeria are properly in the mood. Lookman wants to match Osimhen’s brace and shoots wide from the edge of the box.
GOAL! Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique | Adams '75
20:41 , Arthur FerridgeAnother nail in the Mozambiquean coffin as Adams slams a merciless shot beyond Siluane.
Nigeria 3-0 Mozambique
20:38 , Arthur Ferridge73mins: A brass band tucked away somewhere in this stadium has been playing constantly throughout this match. It does make for a lovely jazzy vibe during a match. Maybe some Premier League sides should consider it.
Nigeria 3-0 Mozambique
20:33 , Arthur Ferridge68mins: Victor Osimhen is withdrawn in favour of Simon. Super performance from the Galatasaray striker.
Nigeria 3-0 Mozambique
20:30 , Arthur Ferridge65mins: Huge save from Siluane! He seems to have shaken off those earlier injury worries as he is at full stretch to parry Adams’ shot away.
Nigeria 3-0 Mozambique
20:26 , Arthur Ferridge61mins: Mozambique have hardly had a sniff the last few minutes. Nigeria started this match on top, ended the first half on top, and remain on top here, with the Mambas looking rather out of ideas.
With that said, though, a roll of the dice. Witi is replaced by Chamito. Let’s see if he can change the fate of this match at all.
Nigeria 3-0 Mozambique
20:23 , Arthur Ferridge58mins: How has that stayed out! A goalmouth scramble in the Mozambique box ends with Lookman shooting wide from close range.
Nigeria 3-0 Mozambique
20:19 , Arthur Ferridge54mins: Mozambique keeper Siluane is again down injured, and is having some strapping applied to his left knee.
Nigeria 3-0 Mozambique
20:17 , Arthur Ferridge52mins: Witi latches onto a ball over the top and has a chance to pull one back for Mozambique, but his shot is blocked by the recovering Ndidi.
Nigeria 3-0 Mozambique
20:14 , Arthur Ferridge49mins: Well, that is the match effectively killed off. You worry this could become a bloodbath from here on out.
GOAL! Nigeria 3-0 Mozambique | Osimhen 47'
20:12 , Arthur FerridgeIt is the perfect start to the second-half for Nigeria! Lookman dances into the box and squares it for Osimhen, who taps in from no more than a couple of yards out.
Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique
20:11 , Arthur Ferridge46mins: Mozambique made changes at the break. Comingues and Calila replaced by Nanani and Kambala.
2ND HALF: Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique
20:10 , Arthur FerridgeBack underway in Fez! Can Mozambique claw their way back into this, or will Nigeria pull away?
H/T: Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique
19:53 , Arthur FerridgeThe Super Eagles lead comfortably at the break thanks to goals from Lookman and Osimhen.
Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique
19:52 , Arthur Ferridge45+3mins: Onyeka is booked for his involvement in that spat. He seemed to catch Guima with a raised elbow, which may or may not ahve been intentional.
Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique
19:51 , Arthur Ferridge45+2mins: Nigeria counter apace after a Mozambique free-kick. Adams is the spearhead and zips up the pitch, but his square pass for Lookman is overhit and the move breaks down.
Later, Guima and Onyeka come together with some gusto and both seem in need of treatment.
Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique
19:49 , Arthur Ferridge45+1mins: There will be three added minutes in Fez.
Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique
19:48 , Arthur Ferridge45mins: On the stroke of half-time, Adams sends Reinildo to the shops and gets a shot away but drags it wide.
Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique
19:46 , Arthur Ferridge42mins: Mozambique break free and Calila counters, but he cannot get the better of Bassey.
Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique
19:45 , Arthur Ferridge42mins: Nigeria are parked in the final third and chasing another goal with some intent.
Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique
19:42 , Arthur Ferridge38mins: A couple of incidents to unpack here. Bruno Langa and Osayi came together, but the referee played the advantage as Ndidi came together with Domingues. The former Leicester man is booked for a high hand, which was plainly unintentional.
Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique
19:41 , Arthur Ferridge37mins: Reinildo makes another crucial interception to deny Osimhen a goalscoring chance.
Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique
19:40 , Arthur Ferridge36mins: Yet another Nigeria set-piece here, this one also from the right. Lookman’s cross is cleared out to Iwobi, who has a go but misses narrowly wide.
Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique
19:37 , Arthur Ferridge33mins: A loose ball falls to Ndidi on the edge of the box and he takes it first time but launches it into Row Z.
Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique
19:35 , Arthur Ferridge32mins: Osimhen is back to hsi feet and Lookman whips a Nigeria free-kick into the box, but it is well beyond the target.
Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique
19:34 , Arthur Ferridge30mins: This doesn’t look good - Osimhen throws himself into a challenge on Witi and looks to have come off worse, perhaps with a boot in the ribs.
Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique
19:32 , Arthur Ferridge28mins: A break in play now as Mozambique keeper Siluane receives treatment. He seems to have hurt himself in the process of diving to deny that latest Osimhen shot.
Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique
19:30 , Arthur Ferridge27mins: It should have been three! Osimhen is found in the box with a gorgeous cross, but the Galatasaray man heads wide.
GOAL! Nigeria 2-0 Mozambique | Osimhen 25'
19:29 , Arthur FerridgeAnd its two for the Super Eagles! They have one foot in the quarter-finals! Iwobi is the playmaker as he puts Lookman in behind and his cross is on a platter for Osimhen to tap home.
GOAL! Nigeria 1-0 Mozambique | Lookman 20'
19:24 , Arthur FerridgeAdemola Lookman smashes one beyond Hernâni Siluane and Nigeria lead!
Nigeria 0-0 Mozambique
19:20 , Arthur Ferridge16mins: Nigeria squander another superb position as Adams looks to go alone and runs into trouble despite having Osimhen up with him. Mozambique counter but Domingues’ cross is quite poor and it eventually ends up in the hands of Nwabali.
Nigeria 0-0 Mozambique
19:18 , Arthur Ferridge15mins: Onyeka is blown up for a foul throw.
Nigeria 0-0 Mozambique
19:18 , Arthur Ferridge14mins: The corner comes to nothing, but the Mozambique clearance is suboptimal - Onyeka will have a throw-in high on the right flank.
Nigeria 0-0 Mozambique
19:17 , Arthur Ferridge13mins: Another huge block from Reinildo denies Osimhen’s shot from a tight angle. Nigeria are pushing hard for an opener, now, and have another corner.
Nigeria 0-0 Mozambique
19:15 , Arthur Ferridge11mins: Mozambique counter through Geny after Ajayi’s header is cleared off the linem, but he is caught by Osayi-Samuels just over the half-way line.
Nigeria 0-0 Mozambique
19:14 , Arthur Ferridge10mins: Bruno whips the ball in, but it is cleared behind for another Nigeria corner.
Nigeria 0-0 Mozambique
19:13 , Arthur Ferridge10mins: Nigeria win a free-kick high in the left channel, about 25 yards back from the byline. Huge opportunity here...
Nigeria 0-0 Mozambique
19:12 , Arthur Ferridge8mins: Lookman makes a marauding run through the middle of the pitch and picks up some 40m of territory, but Reinildo makes a crucial intervention to deny what would have been a very dangerous pass to Onyeka in the right channel.
Nigeria 0-0 Mozambique
19:10 , Arthur Ferridge6mins: BIG SAVE! Iwobi’s through-ball for Osimhen is blocked and falls right back to the Fulham star. He takes a snap-shot from the edge of the box and demands a wonderful save from Siluane.
The subsequent corner is over the box without threat.
Nigeria 0-0 Mozambique
19:09 , Arthur Ferridge6mins: Catamo’s through ball for Bangal is into the hands of Nwabali. Mozambique showing a bit of industry on the ball in the early stages here - it will be interesting to see how Nigeria respond.
Nigeria 0-0 Mozambique
19:08 , Arthur Ferridge4mins: Mozambique enjoy a first good spell on the ball and Witi wins a free-kick from Onyeka in the middle of the park.
NO GOAL! Nigeria 0-0 Mozambique
19:06 , Arthur Ferridge2mins: Osimhen has the ball in the back of the net already, but the linesman’s flag is up!
KICK-OFF! Nigeria 0-0 Mozambique
19:04 , Arthur FerridgeAfter a brief delay, we’re off!
A groundsman is adjusting the Mozambique net. You would imagine that is why we are delayed.
Kick-off delay?
19:02 , Arthur FerridgeSeems to be a delay to kick-off now, unclear why.
Extra balls have been tossed onto the pitch for the players to knock around and keep warm.
Mozambique win the toss...
Nearly time to go...
18:54 , Arthur FerridgeThe players are out for the anthems, and it is absolutely bucketing down in Fez!
Chiquinho Conde sets sights on victory
18:50 , Arthur FerridgeMozambique boss Chiquinho Conde reckons his side are in with a chance of upsetting the Super Eagles today.
He said pre-match: “We are humble and we respect our opponent, but we also have the ambition of making history for our people. We want to write our names in capital letters in Mozambique football history.
“This is a big opportunity for us to play against a fantastic and big opponent. There’s nothing like beating a big team like that.
“If we are not well focused and well positioned defensively, it will be very difficult. It doesn’t mean only the defenders have to do the job. We need the whole system to work, with very good organisation from the beginning.
“For us to be able to do this, the players must be calm, with no pressure. They shouldn't be scared to make mistakes. They just need to play football, have fun and make the fans enjoy the game.
“A happy player wins all the time. When I look at my players and see them happy, I become calm because I know they will be able to deliver.”
Team news reminder
18:45 , Arthur FerridgeJust a quarter of an hour until kick-off...
Here’s a reminder of today’s XIs.
Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Mozambique XI: Ernan; Langa, Reinildo, Mexer, Calila; Amade, Guima; Witi, Pelembe, Catamo; Bangal
AFCON drama elsewhere
18:42 , Arthur FerridgeEgypt have booked their place in the AFCON quarter-finals after beating Benin 3-1.
They required extra-time to do it, though.
The first goal of the evening did not come until Marwan Attia opened the scoring on 69 minutes, but Jodel Dossou pegged the Pharaohs back seven minutes from time.
Yasser Ibrahim lashed the winner home in the first-half of extra time, though, and Mo Salah added a third in the dying seconds after a blistering counter to ensure his nation’s progression.
They will face Burkina Faso or Ivory Coast in the next round.
Eric Chelle: Nigeria are fully focused
18:33 , Arthur FerridgeSuper Eagles boss Eric Chelle insists his side are fully focused ahead of this match and shutting out external distractions - namely the Nigerian media.
He said in a press conference last night: “My job, this is not to cut the national team for the media. The rules when you go to this tournament is one session for the journalist.
“And because I respect this country, I respect you guys.
“Now, we are not on holiday. I have to take care of my players. I have to work. And this is not a question about against you.
“This is the question I want that my team stay focused. We have a goal.
“We have an objective. And if I open all of the training sessions for you, we can do that, but after that, if we lose, you will say, Oh, Eric is crazy.”
What awaits in the next round?
18:24 , Arthur FerridgeThe winner of this tie will face either Algeria or DR Congo in the AFCON quarter-finals.
Their round of 16 tie will be held tomorrow.
Nigeria XI
18:14 , Arthur FerridgeThe Super Eagles are at full strength for tonight’s match, as expected.
Osimhen and Adams resume their roles at striker, with the usual suspects Ndidi, Iwobi, and Lookman behind them.
A star-studded bench waits in the wings, too, featuring the likes of Chukwueze, Onuachu, and Onyedika.
MOZAMBIQUE CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS
18:06 , Arthur FerridgeAnd here are the Mambas...
Mozambique XI: Ernan; Langa, Reinildo, Mexer, Calila; Amade, Guima; Witi, Pelembe, Catamo; Bangal
Subs: Ivane, Zavala, Dove, Chamboco, Nanani, Nene, Cherene, Bonde, Adbala, Kambala, Chamito, Vilanculos, Melito, Ratifo
NIGERIA CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS
18:03 , Arthur FerridgeHere’s how the Super Eagles line up...
Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Subs: Obasogie, Uzoho, Awaziem, Ogbu, Sanusi, Akinsanmiro, Dele-Bashiru, Usman, Onyedika, Nnadi, Ejuke, Fago, Simon, Chukwueze, Onuachu
Team news coming up
18:01 , Arthur FerridgeSquads for this evening’s tie should be announced shortly...
A busy day for football
17:50 , Arthur FerridgeThe news cycle has been spinning at a remarkable pace today, and Standard Sport has been across all the fallout from a variety of top stories.
Ruben Amorim was sacked by Manchester United this morning, with Celtic’s Wilfried Nancy suffering the same fate just a couple hours ago.
And there is more managerial turnover in London, where Chelsea hope to appoint Liam Rosenior as Enzo Maresca’s successor before the Blues visit Fulham on Wednesday.
Elsewhere, Tottenham forward Mohamed Kudus is set for a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Last time out: Nigeria 3-1 Uganda
17:42 , Arthur FerridgeNigeria enjoyed a stress-free final group stage outing as they beat Uganda 3-1 at the Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles went into Tuesday’s match having already secured a place in the AFCON last 16 with a game to spare, but Eric Chelle’s side held on to mean they would finish as Group C winners regardless of what happened in the final round of fixtures.
Nigeria made eight changes against Uganda with their fate already decided, though star striker Victor Osimhen started and played 87 minutes despite being only one yellow card away from suspension. Chelle wanted to keep momentum high and ensure a more convincing result after receiving criticism in the aftermath of nearly collapsing late on against Tunisia, getting his wish as Raphael Onyedika scored twice in quick succession in the second half to add to Paul Onuachu’s earlier strike.
CATCH UP WITH THE ACTION AS IT HAPPENED WITH STANDARD SPORT’S LIVE BLOG!
Mozambique AFCON results so far
17:35 , Arthur FerridgeMozambique struggled through the group stage, taking just one win before qualifying as one of the better third-placed teams.
Here are their full results so far...
Mozambique 0-1 Ivory Coast
Mozambique 3-2 Gabon
Mozambique 1-2 Cameroon
Nigeria AFCON results so far
17:27 , Arthur FerridgeThe Super Eagles won three from three in the AFCON group stage despite struggling at times.
Here’s how they fared...
Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania
Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia
Nigeria 3-1 Uganda
Super Eagles preparations underway...
17:19 , Arthur FerridgeTeam Walk ☑️
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 5, 2026
Game Time in few hours ⌛️#Naija4TheWin #NGAMOZ pic.twitter.com/OfYC3gsznU
Nigeria predicted XI
17:11 , Arthur FerridgeEric Chelle has near enough a full complement at his disposal this evening, so how might the Super Eagles shape up in Fez?
Standard Sport has a crack at predicting the side...
Predicted Nigeria XI (4-1-2-1-2): Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi; Ndidi; Chukwueze Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Standard Sport prediction: Super Eagles to extend winning streak
17:02 , Arthur FerridgeNigeria have shown why they are rightly considered among the top contenders for AFCON glory once again in Morocco, brushing off the disappointment of their World Cup play-off penalty heartbreak against DR Congo in a 100 per cent start to the competition.
Their strength in depth is the envy of most other teams in Africa, especially in attack, where Lookman and Osimhen can be devastating together.
However, two of those opening three wins were not nearly as comfortable as Chelle would have liked in the end and he will be demanding a more comprehensive 90-minute performance here in a game for which his side will be massive favourites.
This Super Eagles team are suddenly full of goals, but they are struggling to keep clean sheets which should lead to another entertaining contest.
Mozambique winning an AFCON game for the first time and reaching the last 16 is a huge achievement and they can be very proud of their efforts at this tournament, regardless of what happens next.
As it is, we think they will again play their part in a decent contest where Nigeria’s far superior firepower will eventually tell.
Nigeria to win, 3-1.
Mozambique team news: Reinildo to start
16:54 , Arthur FerridgeMozambique’s star man is Sporting winger Geny Catamo, who scored a brilliant goal to give them an initial lead over Cameroon.
The Mambas made sweeping changes for that final game in Group F, with Sunderland’s Reinildo among the players who will expect to come back in here.
Nigeria team news: Onyeka, Nwabali carrying knocks
16:46 , Arthur FerridgeMost of Nigeria’s key stars should be well rested after Chelle made sweeping changes against Uganda, protecting the likes of Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman, all of whom were only one yellow card away from missing the last 16.
Nwabali and Frank Onyeka had also picked up minor knocks against Tunisia, as did star striker Victor Osimhen, who was also running a suspension risk but started and captained the Super Eagles against Uganda, playing almost the full match but not getting booked.
Blackburn’s Ryan Alebiosu made his senior international debut for Nigeria at right-back against the Cranes, but suffered a deep cut to his foot that required a hospital visit and threw his participation in the rest of the tournament into question.
Former Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers was also sent for a scan on a thigh issue having yet to play at AFCON and he has now been ruled out for the rest of the tournament, where Nigeria are without injured defenders Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredrick, having also omitted the likes of Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi and Maduka Okoye from their tournament squad.
Chelle has plenty of strength in depth at his disposal and it remains to be seen if any of the players who came in against Uganda can keep their places, with Raphael Onyedika having registered a quick-fire second-half brace from midfield and Paul Onuachu also on the scoresheet after deputising for Akor Adams alongside Osimhen.
How to watch Nigeria vs Mozambique
16:38 , Arthur FerridgeTV channel: Every match at this edition of AFCON is being shown live in the UK across Channel 4’s network.
This fixture will be broadcast on 4seven, with coverage starting at 6:55pm GMT.
Live stream: You can stream the game online via the official Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel or through Channel 4’s website and app.
Live blog: Follow minute-by-minute updates from Monday’s clash with Standard Sport’s live blog. You’re here already - don’t go anywhere!
Good evening
16:27 , Arthur FerridgeHello, and welcome to Standard Sport's LIVE coverage of Nigeria vs Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16!
The Super Eagles went perfect through the group stage, while their opponents only won one of their three outings. Can Eric Chelle’s men dodge an ignominious upset?
Follow along right here as we wait to find out.
Kick-off is at 7pm. Stick with us!
