By Kunle Solaja, Fes

Despite images and video clips that circulated widely after Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique, the Nigeria Football Federation has presented a different account of events inside the Super Eagles’ camp, dismissing suggestions of internal discord as misplaced and exaggerated.

The win, which sent the three-time champions into the quarter-finals of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, was briefly overshadowed by speculation following footage showing striker Victor Osimhen gesturing towards fellow forward Ademola Lookman before a corner kick. Additional videos later emerged on social media, including one showing Osimhen leaving the dressing room in visible frustration and another capturing Alex Iwobi embracing him as he appeared emotionally drained.

According to the NFF, however, the clips that gained traction online merely fuelled rumours that did not reflect the true atmosphere within the squad.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor played down the reports, insisting that the team remains united and fully focused on the task ahead.

“There is no problem whatsoever in our camp,” Achor said. “What people tried to portray as a crisis between two brothers was addressed and resolved within hours. Everything is calm and focused, and we are presently at training.”

The federation also dismissed claims that striker Jerome Akor Adams had abandoned the team camp after scoring his first-ever AFCON goal against Mozambique. Achor clarified that Adams had received official permission to briefly visit his mother, who was hospitalised in Fès, and returned to the camp in less than an hour.

On the training pitch, all 26 available players took part in Tuesday evening’s session at the Sardienne Complex, with only young defender Ryan Alebiosu continuing his recovery programme.

The Super Eagles will move base to Marrakech on Thursday, where they will face the Algeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team in Saturday’s quarter-final tie, scheduled to kick off at 5pm.

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Algeria booked a mouth-watering quarter-final clash with Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations after edging past DR Congo 1–0 in a bruising Round of 16 encounter decided deep into extra time in Rabat.

Substitute Adil Boulbina delivered the decisive blow in the 118th minute, curling home a sublime strike to break Congolese resistance and send Algeria through to the last eight of the tournament in Morocco.

The contest appeared destined for penalties after 90 minutes of regulation time, and most of extra time failed to produce a goal. But Boulbina, introduced just five minutes earlier in place of Fares Chaibi, produced a moment of brilliance when it mattered most. The Al Duhail forward cut inside to shake off his marker before bending an unstoppable effort beyond goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, who had kept DR Congo in the game with a string of fine saves.

Algeria started the match on the front foot, dominating early possession and pinning DR Congo deep in their own half. Despite the pressure, clear chances were limited, and Mpasi-Nzau was rarely troubled in the opening exchanges.

DR Congo, however, looked more incisive on the counter. Cedric Bakambu went close in the 25th minute after breaking quickly, only for Luca Zidane to smother his low drive. From the resulting corner, Axel Tuanzebe rose highest but glanced his header just wide. Bakambu threatened again moments later, powering a header from Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross narrowly past the post.

Just before half-time, Algeria nearly struck when Ibrahim Maza surged forward on the break, his low effort drifting agonisingly wide.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Algeria controlling possession and DR Congo posing danger on the break. Mohamed Amoura squandered a golden opportunity with 12 minutes remaining when he burst into the box but failed to apply enough curl, allowing Mpasi-Nzau to save comfortably. At the other end, Zineddine Belaid made a crucial defensive touch to deny Fiston Mayele from close range.

As the match rolled into extra time, fatigue set in, but the intensity rose. Mpasi-Nzau produced two outstanding saves in quick succession to deny Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah, seemingly steering the contest toward penalties.

Boulbina’s late intervention finally settled the tie, sparking wild celebrations among the Algerian supporters and heartbreak for the Congolese, who had matched their opponents stride for stride.

The victory sends Algeria into a high-stakes quarter-final against Nigeria, setting up one of the tournament’s most anticipated clashes, while Les Fennecs progress to the last eight for the first time since lifting the title in 2019.

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Nigeria’s emphatic victory not only sealed a place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations but also extended the Super Eagles’ perfect run at the tournament — igniting renewed belief in a fourth continental crown.

For Goldberg Lager Beer, the commanding display underscored the deepening bond between the national team and its passionate supporters across the country, as football once again proved to be a shared national rhythm.

Reacting to the result, Goldberg Senior Brand Manager Kunle Aroyehun said the performance captured the spirit of belief and togetherness that has defined Nigeria’s AFCON journey so far.

“The Super Eagles were simply ‘fourmidable,” Aroyehun said. “It was a confident, disciplined and exciting performance. As the team pushes deeper into the tournament and chases a fourth AFCON title, the support of Nigerian fans becomes even more important.”

As the Official Beer and Sponsor of the Super Eagles, Goldberg has remained at the centre of fan engagement throughout the Africa Cup of Nations 2025. Through its vibrant Our Beat, Our Gold campaign, the brand has created viewing centres and immersive fan experiences across Lagos and beyond — offering supporters safe, lively spaces to watch matches and share in the emotional highs of the tournament.

From large viewing hubs to community-centred locations, fans have gathered with ice-cold Goldberg Lager Beer in hand, celebrating victories and standing firmly behind the team. According to the brand, these moments mirror how football is truly lived in Nigeria — as a collective cultural experience.

It was fun galore watching the Super Eagles in an ambience created by Goldberg

“Our Beat, Our Gold is about recognising the rhythm of Nigerian football,” Aroyehun explained. “It’s in the cheers, the conversations, the jokes and the belief. When the Super Eagles win like this, you can feel that rhythm everywhere.”

Goldberg’s presence in Nigerian football is reinforced by its long-standing partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation. Since Nigerian Breweries Plc signed the sponsorship deal in 2018, the brand has remained one of the longest-serving corporate partners of the Super Eagles, helping to grow national team followership to levels comparable with top European club sides.

With Nigeria now firmly in the quarter-finals and confidence rising, Goldberg is already gearing up to once again bring fans together for the next decisive fixture.

Nigeria will play its next qualifying match on Saturday, 10 January, and Goldberg will host another fan experience at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development (PAKO Field), Awe Close, Dopemu, Lagos. The activation opens at 3:00 p.m., ahead of the 5:00 p.m. kick-off.

Building on the excitement generated during the Mozambique match, the brand will also revive its colourful Festival of Light & Drums on the same day — adding rhythm, spectacle and cultural flair as fans rally behind the Super Eagles.

“The journey is not over,” Aroyehun added. “The team is gunning for a fourth AFCON title, and the fans have a big role to play. Every cheer, every gathering and every moment of belief counts.”

As the Super Eagles prepare for their quarter-final challenge, Goldberg says it will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the team and the fans — celebrating every step of the journey and keeping the Our Beat, Our Gold rhythm alive.

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