Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated their Mozambican counterparts 3-2 on Monday in a tense international friendly encounter in Portugal.
Moses Simon scored in added time of the first half to give the Eagles the needed confidence.
The Nigerian team was desperate to record their first international friendly victory in five years.
Must Read: International Friendly: Super Eagles Desperate For Victory Against Mozambique, First In five Years
The last time the Super Eagles enjoyed a victory in a friendly match was in March 2019 in Asaba when Paul Onuachu’s goal separated Nigeria and Egypt in a one-nil win at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
Since taking over as the Super Eagles coach in May 2022, Jose Peseiro has not enjoyed victory in eight international friendly matches played until today’s victory against Mozambique.
He expressed mixed feelings over the outcome of the match and was critical of the team’s goal conversion rate.
Geny Catamo put Mozambique ahead in the 6th minute, and Terem Moffi restored parity for Nigeria in the nineteenth minute, while Brentford of England midfielder Frank Onyea put Nigeria ahead on the half hour mark.
Edmilson Dove was sent off in 38 minutes following a rash challenge while Moses Simon extended Nigeria’s lead just before halftime.
Faisal Bangal reduced the deficit for the mambas as it ended three-two at the Albufeira Municipal Stadium in Portugal.
Two players made their debut for Nigeria in the encounter: Fisayo Dele Bashiru and former German youth
International Jordan Torunarigha were in the starting lineup.
Meanwhile, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who sustained a thigh injury in the match against Saudi Arabia, is expected to be out for at least six weeks.
Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe
