Nigeria have seized control of a tense AFCON 2025 knockout night, and Victor Osimhen is the reason why. The Super Eagles’ star striker has scored twice, tilting this last‑16 tie against Mozambique toward a familiar African giant. The mood has flipped from cautious to electric. Every Nigeria touch now carries threat. Every Mozambique clearance feels rushed.
Osimhen takes the stage
This game belongs to Osimhen’s timing and hunger in the box. His first step has been the difference. He has pulled off the shoulders of center backs, then attacked the space behind them. When the cross or through ball arrives, his body shape is perfect. He hits his marks, sharp and early. Mozambique have looked over their shoulders all night.
Osimhen’s brace reflects more than finishing. It reflects a striker reading the flow. He has drifted wide, dragged defenders, then darted inside. Each movement has opened lanes for runners from midfield. Nigeria have flowed around him, confident and quick. The ball gets to feet, then it is gone, into space.
Victor Osimhen has a brace in this AFCON 2025 last 16 tie. Nigeria lead and control the tempo.
Nigeria’s plan, simple and ruthless
Nigeria have won the first and second balls across the middle third. That has been the platform. When they break, they break with angles. The wingers punch forward, the fullbacks arrive late, and the midfield links the passes with one or two touches. Mozambique have been forced to run backward far too often.
The Super Eagles do not need long spells of the ball to hurt you. They need seconds. A turnover. A quick vertical pass. An early cross, low and firm. Osimhen lives off that early delivery. The rhythm suits him, and it suits Nigeria’s identity. This is direct, clear football. It thrives in knockout games.
The defensive spine holds
Nigeria’s back line has kept its spacing. They have kept Mozambique’s striker isolated. The shape has been compact between the lines, so Mozambique’s midfielders have not found time. When Mozambique try to switch play, Nigeria slide across as a unit. It has looked drilled and calm.
Mozambique’s dilemma and the path back
Mozambique have heart. They are still in this, if they can shift the flow. The plan must start with courage on the ball. They need more touches in the middle, not just hopeful long passes. A wider front line can stretch Nigeria, then a late runner can hit the gap at the top of the box. They also need their set pieces to count.
Here is what Mozambique can change now:
- Push the fullbacks five yards higher to pin Nigeria’s wingers.
- Play into feet, then bounce passes to the third man running.
- Draw a Nigeria center back out, then attack the space behind.
- Target near‑post corners for flick‑ons, not back‑post floats.
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Mozambique can slow Nigeria’s counters with early tactical fouls near midfield, smart and subtle, to reset their shape.
Key matchup to watch
If Mozambique can double the wide areas, they can force Nigeria backward. That denies early service to Osimhen. The next 15 minutes need brave defending at the near post and clearances into zones where they can press, not just into touch. Any mistake at the back now will end the contest.
What this means for the bracket
Nigeria entered AFCON as a heavyweight. A place in the quarterfinals keeps them on a path they know well. Their experience in one‑goal knockout games is a real edge. Osimhen’s form also changes how rivals plan. Mark him tight, and Nigeria’s wide players break free. Give him space, and he punishes you. Either way, he shapes the next game before it kicks off.
For Mozambique, a comeback would be a national moment. It would show that discipline and belief can topple a giant. Their fans will demand a fearless finish. One goal swings the pressure back, fast, in tournament football. The clock, though, is the enemy now.
If Nigeria close this out, they take momentum and a healthy squad into the next round. That matters in a short tournament.
The AFCON heartbeat
You can feel the drums. You can hear the whistles. This is AFCON, where matches tilt in seconds and legends grow. Nigeria’s fans are dancing for every Osimhen touch. Mozambique’s end is urging one spark, one break, one clean strike. The energy is raw. It is why this tournament grips the continent.
Conclusion
Right now, it is Nigeria’s night. Osimhen has bent the tie with movement, power, and belief. Mozambique must risk more, or the chance will pass. Knockout football is cruel and clear. One star has stepped up, and a quarterfinal door is swinging open. ⚽
