Super Eagles overcome early scare to defeat Mozambique in friendly match

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated Mozambique 3-2 in a friendly match. 

Goals from Terem Moffi, Frank Onyeka and Moses Simon secured a well-fought victory for Nigeria against the Mozambicans at the Estadio Municipal De Albufeira, Portimao, Portugal, on Monday.

Jose Peseiro, the Eagles head coach, made nine changes to the line-up that started the 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday.

Only Francis Uzoho and Bruno Onyemaechi retained their positions in the team, while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Jordan Torunarigha debuted.

Kenneth Omeruo returned as the skipper and into the defence alongside Bright Osayi-Samuel, with Joe Aribo, Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika in the midfield.

Simon and Moffi led the team up front.

The Eagles were not allowed to settle before Mozambique took the lead in the sixth minute. Uzoho failed to grab a miscued shot from Geny Catamo, and the ball trickled into the net.

Nigeria would not respond until 12 minutes later when Terem Moffi’s keen positioning placed him in the right spot to poach home a rebound off a shot from Onyeka.

The Eagles then took the lead in the 30th minute with a sweet piledriver by Onyeka from the edge of the goal area.

Simon added the third on the stroke of half time from a spot kick that cannoned in off the upright.

In the 55th minute, however, Faisal Bangal pulled one back for the Mozambicans through a freekick which travelled through the Eagles’ walls and past Uzoho.

Nigeria weathered Mozambique’s resurgence and ground out a victory.

The Super Eagles’ next game is a 2026 World Cup qualification match against Lesotho billed for November 13.