Nigeria stretched their lead to 4-0 against Mozambique in Fes when Akor Adams added his name to the scoresheet with a fine finish in the 75th minute, underlining a one-sided contest that has placed the Super Eagles firmly on the brink of the quarter-finals.
The decisive moment arrived with the match already beyond Mozambique’s reach.
Drifting intelligently towards the right side of the penalty area, Adams met a loose ball with perfect timing and, without breaking stride, unleashed a crisp and powerful strike that flew beyond goalkeeper Ernan and into the top corner.
It was the type of goal that drew a collective gasp from the stands before the celebrations erupted among the Nigerian players.
By then, Nigeria’s superiority had been established for well over an hour.
The Super Eagles set the tone from the opening exchanges, playing with authority and purpose, moving the ball quickly across the width of the pitch and forcing Mozambique into deep defensive positions.
Their pressure yielded early rewards and ensured that the contest was effectively decided long before Adams’ late intervention.
Mozambique, who had arrived in Fes hoping to test one of the tournament favourites, found themselves chasing shadows.
Each attempt to play out from the back was met by a coordinated Nigerian press, while the midfield battle was dominated by players in green who were quicker to second balls and more precise in their passing.
The fourth goal merely reflected what had been unfolding throughout the evening.
Nigeria’s attacking unit combined pace, movement and ruthless execution, turning half-chances into goals and refusing to ease off despite the growing margin on the scoreboard.
For Mozambique, the task became less about salvaging a result and more about limiting further damage.
Adams’ strike was particularly symbolic. Introduced with the game already in Nigeria’s control, he provided fresh energy in the final third and immediately began to trouble a tiring defence.
His movement into space on the right flank went unnoticed for a split second, and that was all he needed to produce a finish of the highest quality.
As the minutes ticked down, Nigeria continued to probe, eager to maintain their momentum ahead of the latter stages of the competition.
The bench was animated, teammates applauding every interception and forward run, aware that performances like this build belief as much as they secure victories.
For Mozambique, the closing stages were a lesson in the demands of knockout football at this level.
They battled on with determination, but the gulf in quality was impossible to disguise, and Adams’ goal served as the final reminder of the challenge they faced.
With a commanding 4-0 scoreline in Fes, Nigeria have not only taken a giant step towards the quarter-finals but have also sent a clear message to the rest of the tournament.
Akor Adams may have “joined the party” late in the evening, yet his clean strike ensured that this performance will be remembered as one of authority, confidence and clinical edge.
