Nigeria defeated Mozambique 3-2 in their international friendly match on Monday in Portimäo, Portugal, ending their dismal record of 15 games without a victory.
Terem Moffi, Frank Onyeka, and Moses Simon scored goals to assist Nigeria win its first friendly match in five years. The last time Nigeria won a friendly match was in March 2019 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba when Paul Onuachu’s first-minute goal defeated seven-time African champions Egypt.
After just six minutes, the Mambas scored an unexpected goal when Catamo pulled the ball past Francis Uzoho, the custodian, who expected the ball to travel in a different direction.
France -based striker Moffi ensured parity in the 19th minute, when he had the last laugh as the Mozambican defenders threw themselves at every shot in their penalty area.
Midfielder Frank Onyeka put Nigeria in front on the half hour, when his measured shot from the edge of the box sailed into the net unhindered.
The Super Eagles, who have adopted the battlecry ‘Let’s Do It Again’ for their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title come Cote d’Ivoire early next year, dominated afterwards and got a third goal when the irrepressible Moses Simon netted from the penalty spot in added time in the first period.
The southern Africans were bullish in the second period, unhindered by the numerical disadvantage following a red card to one of their players in the first half, and got a second goal through Bangal with 10 minutes into the closing half.
Victory means the Eagles have established a winning mentality ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches starting in November as well as the 34th Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Cote d’Ivoire.
[…] Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro has expressed delight after Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Mozambique ended a five-year winless run in friendly games. […]
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