Ngeria marched into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final stage with a dominant 4-0 defeat of Mozambique on Monday.

A brace from Victor Osimhen and lone goals from Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams cemented the Super Eagles’ progress in Morocco as they await the winner of the game between Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

For the first time at AFCON 2025, Nigeria did not concede a goal after a combined four goals in three group games.

Sports Talk has ranked the performance of Eric Chelle’s team after the round of the 16 game on a scale of 1-10.

Nigeria Starting XI

Stanley Nwabali – 8

It was more like an off day for Nwabali who did not face any shot in 90 minutes.

Bassey & Ajayi comfortably shielded him from any threats 

Calvin Bassey – 8

Organised and solid as usual.

Bassey’s presence in the defence neutralised Mozambique’s attacking threat, even in one-on-one situations we came out on top. 

Semi Ajayi – 8

The Hull City centre-back showed once again that he is in charge and his partnership with Bassey proved to be a success as Nigeria failed to concede for the first time in Morocco.

Bright Osayi-Samuel – 8

Mozambique, on several occasions, tried to break the Super Eagles with counter attack but Osayi-Samuel’s strength and composure were key whenever he was caught overlapping on the wings. 

Bruno Onyemaechi – 8

Made a number of timely tackles to stop the Mambas who failed to register a shot on target in the game.

Wilfred Ndidi – 8

A fantastic outing for the Besiktas midfielder. He returned to the starting XI after he was rested in the last game. 

Ndidi’s leadership skills were evident even when his teammates were caught overreacting to situations.

Alex Iwobi – 10

Iwobi orchestrated and dictated the flow of the game from the middle of the park and he narrowly missed a chance to cap his display with a goal.

His calmness on the ball and pinpoint passes launched the Super Eagles’ attack for the four goals.  

Frank Onyeka – 8

Onyeka’s versatility in the midfield gave Nigeria enough options in defence and attack.

He added more strength as Nigeria dominated the encounter from start to finish.

Akor Adams – 9

The Sevilla striker made a crucial contribution in Fes with two assists and a goal to end his AFCON drought. 

Adams did not just prove to be a supporting striker, he made a statement that he can lead Nigeria’s attack and deliver goals.

Ademola Lookman – 10

Another Man-of-the-match display for the 2024 African Footballer of the Year as he grabbed two assist and a goal. 

Lookman added some flair to his game with his creativity and mesmerizing moves, however, there instances he held on to the ball for too long.

Osimhen – 5

His presence in the starting XI created an advantage for Nigeria and he was rewarded with a brace in the game. 

Osimhen stained his record with a condemnable behaviour as he requested the coach to replace him after an obvious confrontation with Lookman over a pass.

His reaction generated boos from Nigerians as he walked to the bench. 

Substitutes 

Moses Simon – 6

Pumped in more energy into the Nigeria team and made the left flanks the busiest side of the pitch in the final 20 minutes.

Simon came very close to finding the back of the net in the closing stage but his strike was saved by Mozambique goalkeeper.