Super Eagles today edged past the Mambas of Mozambique 3-2 to record their first friendly win five years.
The Super Eagles come from behind to lead 2-1 against Mozambique, with Terem Moffi and Frank Onyeka both netting Nigeria's goals so far. pic.twitter.com/PqH3XHt3IH
— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) October 16, 2023
The last time Nigeria won a friendly was in March 2019, when Paul Onuachu first minute stunner fell Egypt in Asaba.
Both Nigeria and Mozambique used this game to prepare for both next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers as well as the 2023 AFCON in January.
The Eagles, who made nine changes from the starting XI against Saudi Arabia Friday, went behind after just seven minutes, when Catamo of Mozambique finished off a flowing attack started from the right flank.
However, they chased the game thereafter for OGC Nice striker Terem Moffi to draw them level on 19 minutes after his earlier goal-bound effort was turned away for a corner.
On the half hour, midfielder Frank Onyeka rifled home a bullet from the top of the box for Nigeria to lead 2-1.
It was his first goal for the Super Eagles.
Mozambique were reduced to 10 men after a player committed a professional foul on Joe Aribo as he headed for goal in the 37th minute.
Moses Simon then increased Nigeria’s lead in first half stoppage time, when he tucked away a penalty after a Mozambique player handled the ball inside the box off a free kick by Nigeria.
In the second half, Mozambique pulled a goal back through a free kick by Bangal, Moses Simon was denied a brace by the onrushing goalkeeper by the hour, while substitute Sadiq Umar had two efforts late on chalked off.
Eagles Starting XI vs Mozambique (4-4-2)
Uzoho – Osayi-Samuel, Onyemaechi, Torunarigha (Calvin Bassey 75), Omeruo (Awaziem 60) – Onyeka, Onyedika (Sadiq Umar 60), Aribo (Alex Iwobi 75), Dele-Bashiru(Lookman 60) – Moffi (Victor Boniface 75), Moses Simon
