Nigeria vs Mozambique: Iwobi, Lookman, Osimhen too strong for Mambas — Super Eagles Player Ratings

The Super Eagles were utterly dominant in their AFCON 2025 round-of-16 clash against Mozambique, beating their opponents 4-0 to advance into the quarter-finals.

The victory was fuelled by exceptional performances from all around the team. Here is how each player performed:

Stanley Nwabali got his first clean sheet of the tournament in his strongest performance of the competition. While he was barely called upon to make saves, Nwabali was dominant in intercepting and claiming crosses. His distribution was also faultless.

Bright Osayi-Samuel was technically excellent. He marshalled the right flank efficiently, excelling in his tasks on both ends of the pitch. He also came close to scoring.

Semi Ajayi physically imposed himself on Mozambique's attackers. He showed his aerial prowess and game-reading ability, snuffing out dangers before they materialised,

Fulham's big man showed why he is regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the toughest top-flight league. He was effortless in dealing with Mozambique's attackers, outmuscling and outtinkering them.

On the ball, Bassey was flawless. He advanced play through passing and ball-carrying, contributing to Nigeria's dominance of the possession stat.

Bruno, like Osayi-Samuel, had a brilliant game on both ends of the pitch. His technique was clean, and his deliveries into the box were better than usual.

Wilfred Ndidi continues his 100% record in his reign as captain. He was ferocious in chasing down his man and clamping spaces. And while Iwobi's deep positioning meant he was not tasked with advancing play, he was adventurous with his passes when he had to.

Alex Iwobi (9/10):

Alex Iwobi is the best thing since our ancestors received the inspiration for Naija jollof. He was breathtakingly good; so much so that Sunday Oliseh, in the co-commentator gantry, caught himself being a fanboy.

His passes led to three of Nigeria's four goals in the game. The team danced to his tune. His passing was crisp, his movement was dynamic, and he was press-resistant and still put in a shift defensively.

Frank Onyeka (6.5/10):

Frank Onyeka showed that he was more than a destroyer. He showed clean technique and protected the ball adequately in addition to his defensive contribution.

Ademola Lookman (10/10):

Ademola Lookman is the 2024 CAF POTY, and he made the Team of the Tournament at the last AFCON. Reiterating because this man continues to associate himself with these big moments. He has already scored six AFCON goals; only Rashidi Yekini and JJ Okocha have more.

Lookman directly contributed to all four goals Nigeria scored in the match. He registered three assists, albeit the first being disputed as having been redirected by Akor Adams, and scored one of his own.

Akor Adams appears to have cemented his place as Nigeria's second striker. His movement was intelligent, his hold-up play was pristine, and his ball striking for his goal was sumptuous.

Victor Osimhen (7.5/10):

Osimhen had the most prolific AFCON game of his career, scoring twice in Nigeria's 4-0 rout. However, he tainted what should have been a party with petulance and tantrums after Ademola Lookman and Bright Osayi-Samuel snubbed him on two occasions to go for goal when the team had a three-goal advantage.