Nigeria vs Mozambique Player Ratings: Lookman Stars as Super Eagles Seal AFCON Last-Eight Spot with 4-0 Win

A cracker of a contest took place at the Fez Stadium arena as the Nigeria National Football team came out flying, blowing Mozambique away with a ruthless 4-0 win in this AFCON Round of 16 clash. This wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement made by the Super Eagles. It was totally a one-way traffic, and Mozambique simply couldn’t keep up with the pace of Lookman and company.

Ademola Lookman? Absolutely unplayable and a terror for the opposition defense just dominated the proceedings.

Every time he got on the ball, he seemed to tear apart the Mozambique defense. A goal, two assists, and six goal chances creation was enough for Nigeria to deal with the Os Mambas. It was one of those performances that keeps fans on their feet.

One of the best Nigerian players, Victor Osimhen, did exactly what top strikers do. Two goals, sharp movement, and no mercy inside the box. Akor Adams joined the party too, grabbing a goal and two assists on a dream night for the Nigeria side. Nigeria’s pace, power, and sharp passing were just too much to handle, and at times it honestly looked like a training drill. Thus, who stood out the most? Who had a quiet night despite the big win?

Let’s break it all down with the Nigeria vs Mozambique player ratings.

Nigeria Player Ratings vs Mozambique

Goalkeeper

Stanley Nwabali - 7.0: We noticed he had very little to do for most of the game, which is a testament to his defense. However, when called upon, his handling was secure, and he made a couple of good high claims. A quiet but confident display, he will be happy with the clean sheet.

Defenders

Bright Osayi-Samuel - 7.5: A really energetic performance down the right flank. He was a constant outlet for the attack, making overlapping runs and delivering some dangerous crosses. Defensively, he was solid, winning most of his duels and making some key tackles. A very complete performance from the fullback.

Semi Ajayi - 7.0: A strong presence at the back. He dealt with Mozambique's limited attacks comfortably and his distribution was crisp. He did commit a few unnecessary fouls, which slightly blemish his performance but overall it was a solid outing. He seemed to relish the physical battle.

Calvin Bassey - 7.5: What stood out to us was his composure on the ball. He looked so comfortable bringing the ball out from the back and was almost perfect with his passing. He won his aerial duels and made important interceptions. A class act.

Bruno Onyemaechi - 7.0: Similar to his fullback partner on the other side, he was diligent in his defensive duties and supported the attack well. He lost possession a few too many times for our liking but his work rate was undeniable. A decent performance all around.

Midfielders

Wilfred Ndidi - 7.5: The captain led by example. He was the engine room, breaking up play with 3 interceptions and recycling possession with incredible efficiency. His passing was near-perfect, and he was a dominant force in the middle of the park before his substitution. A typical commanding display from him.

Ademola Lookman - 9.5: Simply sensational. From our perspective, this was one of the best individual performances we've seen in a long time. A goal, two assists, and a staggering six chances created. Everything he touched turned to gold. He was untouchable and the clear highest-rated player on the pitch.

Frank Onyeka - 6.5: A mixed bag from Onyeka. His work rate was immense, and he drew four fouls, showing his combative nature. However he was also clumsy, committing four fouls himself and picking up a yellow card. He lost the ball a bit too often for a central midfielder.

Alex Iwobi - 8.0: The conductor of the orchestra. He dictated the tempo of the game with his incredible range of passing, completing 8 long balls. He was constantly looking for those forward passes, slicing through the Mozambique midfield. A very intelligent and influential performance.

Forwards

Victor Osimhen - 8.5: A poacher's masterclass. He was exactly where he needed to be to score two crucial goals. While his overall touches were limited, his impact was massive. His movement tormented the defenders and he was unlucky not to have a hat-trick. Clinical.

Akor Adams - 9.0: What a performance! A goal and two assists is a phenomenal return. He linked up play brilliantly, showed great strength and his creative spark was a joy to watch. He created two big chances and was a constant handful. He and Lookman formed a devastating partnership.

Substitutes

Moses Simon - 6.5: Came on for Osimhen and looked lively, but the game was already won.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru - 6.0: A brief cameo, didn't have much time to influence the game.

Raphael Onyedika - 6.0: Helped see out the game in midfield.

Samuel Chukwueze - N/A: Not on long enough to rate.

Paul Onuachu - N/A: Brought on in the final minutes.

Manager

É. Chelle - 9.0: His tactical setup was absolutely perfect. He unleashed his attacking players and they responded with a devastating performance. The game plan worked flawlessly from start to finish, leading to a massive 4-0 win. Couldn't have asked for more.

Mozambique Player Ratings vs Nigeria

Goalkeeper

Ernan Siluane - 5.0: A night to forget for the keeper. He conceded four goals, and his error led to a shot, which summed up a shaky performance. He did make four saves, preventing an even bigger defeat, but he looked completely overwhelmed by the Nigerian onslaught before being subbed.

Defenders

Bruno Langa - 6.0: One of the few who showed some real fight. He won an impressive 8 duels and made three successful tackles. Despite his personal effort, he was part of a defence that was torn apart. A battling performance in a losing cause.

Reinildo Mandava - 6.5: Probably Mozambique's best player on the night. The stats show 5 interceptions and 6 clearances, which tells you how busy he was. He was constantly putting out fires and made a last-man tackle. It was a heroic effort in a defence that was sinking fast.

Mexer - 5.5: He struggled to cope with the movement of Osimhen and Adams. He made a few clearances but ultimately was part of a backline that offered little resistance. He looked a yard off the pace all game.

Diogo Calila - 5.0: A torrid 45 minutes for the defender. He was given a runaround by Lookman and offered very little going forward. Being substituted at halftime tells the whole story of his difficult evening.

Midfielders

Elias Pelembe - 5.5: The captain was a passenger for large parts of the first half. He couldn't get on the ball or influence the game in any meaningful way. It was a surprise to see him struggle so much before being subbed at the break.

Geny Catamo - 5.0: A really poor performance. From our perspective, he was the worst performer on the pitch. He lost possession a staggering 16 times and created nothing. He looked completely out of his depth against Nigeria's midfield.

Alfonso Amade - 5.5: He was overrun and bypassed with ease. He made one key pass but also had an error that led to a shot. A difficult night where he spent most of his time chasing shadows.

Witiness Quembo - 6.0: Showed some flashes of quality and fight, winning 5 of his 6 duels. He tried to drive his team forward but was fighting a losing battle before he was substituted. One of the few who can hold his head up.

Ricardo Guimarães - 5.5: Largely anonymous in the midfield battle. He failed to make any significant impact on the game defensively or offensively. A quiet and ineffective performance.

Forwards

Faisal Bangal - 5.0: A frustrating and lonely night for the striker. He was completely isolated, starved of any service and was caught offside twice. He was a willing runner but had absolutely nothing to work with.

Substitutes

Infren Matola - 5.5: Came on at halftime but couldn't stem the tide.

Manuel Kambala - 5.5: Added some energy but the game was already gone.

Chamito - 6.0: Tried to get involved but had little impact.

Stanley Ratifo - 5.5: Caught offside shortly after coming on.

Ivan Urrubal - N/A: Came on late for the injured keeper.

Manager

C. Conde - 4.0: His team looked tactically outclassed from the very first minute. They had no plan to deal with Nigeria's attacking threat and were far too open. The substitutions made little difference. A very tough day at the office for the manager.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match: Ademola Lookman