Super Eagles duo Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Iheanacho have been ruled out of the team’s friendly game against Mozambique.
This is according to a Sunday update on the team’s X handle.
Osimhen was substituted in Friday’s 2-2 draw with the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia. But days after the tie, the team’s handlers said the Napoli forward would not be part of Monday’s Mozambique clash as a “precautionary measure on advice of the medical team”.
For Iheanacho, he was excused to enable him to attend to “pressing personal issues”.
Iheanacho and Osimhen were part of the clash against Saudi Arabia with the former scoring on the night.
Nigeria’s game against Mozambique is billed for the Estadio Municipal de Albufeira, Portugal on Monday.
The game is expected to begin by 4 p.m. (WAT).
Peseiro is now left with three strikers in the team, Real Sociedad’s Umar Sadiq, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface and OGC Nice’ forward Terem Moffi.
A win for the Super Eagles against the Mambas will end their winless run in international friendlies under the former Porto manager.
Memory lane (Head-to-head)
Let’s rewind to the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and reminisce about a memorable clash between Nigeria and Mozambique. It was an exhilarating match that ended with Nigeria emerging as the clear winners, securing a resounding 3-0 victory. This encounter left a lasting impression on both football fans and players, etching a special place in the memories of all those involved.
Matches: 4
Mozambique: 0
Draw: 1
Nigeria: 3
Predicted Lineup for Mozambique vs Nigeria
Mozambique Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
Emani; Bruno Langa, Mexer, Domingos, David Malembana; Guima, Amadu, Domingues; Geny Catamo, Stanley Ratifo, Witi
Nigeria Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)
Francis Uzoho; Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Tyronne Ebuehi, Bruno; Joe Aribo, Wilfriend Ndidi; Kelechi Iheanacho, Ademola Lookman; Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi
Match Prediction for Mozambique vs Nigeria
The most recent game for Mozambique was scheduled to be a friendly match against Guinea-Bissau, but that match was recently postponed. They had just one loss in their previous six games and were coming off back-to-back triumphs when they faced Angola. They will now take against a Nigerian team with one of the best offensive records in football. The Super Eagles have now won three straight games in 2023 after thrashing Sao Tome e Principe by a score of six goals to nil last month. Here, a Nigerian victory is predicted.
Prediction: Mozambique- 0- 2- Nigeria
Form
Mozambique: W W L D W
Nigeria: D W W W L
Players to Watch
Stanley Ratifo (Mozambique)
Stanley Ratifo, a forward for 1. CfR Pforzheim, was born on December 5, 1994 and is a professional football player. He represents the Mozambique national team and was born in Germany.
Bruno Onyemaechi (Nigeria)
In Norway, Onyemaechi underwent a trial with clubs who worked with player agency Atta Aneke. Onyemaechi was initially put on trial alongside Stabaek, Lillestrm, and fellow countryman Jerome Philip. Onyemaechi was brought to Lillestrm’s training camp in Marbella and participated in exhibition matches, but he was ultimately not signed.
