Super Eagles Beat Mozambique, Win First Friendly Match In Five Years
The Super Eagles defeated 10-man Mozambique 3-2 on Monday, marking the Nigerian team’s first victory in a friendly game in five years.
Mozambique had taken the lead seven minutes into the game via Geny Catamo, raising fresh fears that Nigeria’s winless run in a friendly game may continue.
But OGC Nice’s Terem Moffi shot from close range 13 minutes later to restore parity for the Super Eagles at the Estádio Municipal de Albufeira, Albufeira in Portugal.
The Super Eagles fought back, with Terem Moffi equalizing in the 18th minute.
Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan Siluane produced a superb save to deny Frank Onyeka in the 20th minute.
Onyeka had another shot saved by Siluane a minute later.
The goalie was, however, unable to stop the Brentford midfielder from handing Nigeria the lead for the first time in the game a minute before the half-hour mark.
The Mozambicans were reduced to 10 men in the 37th minute after one of their defenders fouled Joe Aribo.
The Super Eagles were awarded a penalty after 45 minutes following a hand ball inside the opposition box.
Moses Simon converted the spot kick to give the Super Eagles a 3-1 lead going into the break.
Mozambique reduced the deficit through Faisal Bangal in the 55th minute.
Substitute Umar Sadiq had a goal ruled out for offside 20 minutes from time.
Sadiq had another goal ruled out for offside again in the 86th minute.
Jose Peseiro’s side will now shift attention to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe next month.
