Afrigather The three-time African champions have been the higher facet in Portugal as they cruised to a simple victory over the East Africans
Frank Onyeka scored his first-ever purpose for Nigeria as Tremendous Eagles handed Mozambique a 3-1 defeat in a global pleasant on the Estadio Municipal de Albufeira on Monday night.
With Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Iheanacho unavailable, head coach Jose Peseiro was sure to make modifications to the beginning eleven that performed towards Saudi Arabia three days in the past.
The modifications, although, have been huge as Jordan Torunarigha, making his worldwide debut, paired Kenneth Omeruo in defence, with Brilliant Osayi-Samuel holding forte at right-back.
Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka slotted in midfield alongside Joe Aribo, whereas Fisayo Dele-Bashiru additionally made his Tremendous Eagles bow simply behind Moses Simon and Terem Moffi in assault.
Surprisingly, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho retained his spot between the goalposts regardless of his horrible error towards Saudi Arabia.
And the Omonia Nicosia shot-stopper was once more not lined in glory when Geny Catamo gave Mozambique the lead with solely six minutes on the clock.
The Tremendous Eagles have been surprised by that early purpose, however they recovered rapidly sufficient as Terem Moffi grabbed the equaliser within the nineteenth minute. The OGC Good ahead reacted the quickest to a rebound after the goalkeeper spilled a shot to stab dwelling from shut vary.
On the half-hour mark, Dele-Bashiru marked his Tremendous Eagles debut with an help as he set the ball up for Onyeka to make it 2-1 for Nigeria.
Within the dying minutes of the half, the Tremendous added their third as Moses Simon made no mistake from the spot after the referee awarded Nigeria a penalty.
One other momentary lack of focus in the beginning of the second half allowed Faisal Bangal to steal in and rating the second purpose for Mozambique.
Nonetheless, the Tremendous Eagles have been the dominant facet, particularly in assault, the place Nigeria had a number of possibilities to increase their lead.
Within the seventieth minute, substitute Umar Sadiq obtained the ball into the web, however it was dominated out for offside. Alex Iwobi additionally shot large halfway by the second interval earlier than Victor Boniface struck one other effort that was cancelled.
Regardless of the wasted alternatives, the Tremendous Eagles have been good for the win, registering their fourth victory over the past 5 video games and returning to profitable methods after the draw with Saudi Arabia.
Subsequent for Nigeria are two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers towards Lesotho and Zimbabwe in November.
