The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play Mozambique in an international friendly match at the Estadio Municipal De Portimao in Portugal in preparation for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nation (AFCON) and 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers respectively.
The Super Eagles coach Jose Paseiro will be without two of his key players as Nigeria aims to get their first win in 15 international friendly matches.
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Napoli forward Victor Osimhen and Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho will miss Nigeria’s friendly game against Mozambique on Monday.
The Super Eagles played out a 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia and the three-time African champions would be looking to do better when they play Mozambique.
With Friday’s result, Nigeria have now gone 15 consecutive friendly matches without a win, losing nine and picking up six draws since claiming a 1-0 victory over Egypt in March 2019.
But Paseiro has assured that the Super Eagles have adequate players and will be banking on players Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface and OGC Nice talisman Terem Moffi to lead Nigeria’s attack.
Both sides, who have booked their spot in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, will be meeting for the first time since January 2014, when the Super Eagles cruised to a 4-2 victory in the Africa Nations Championship.
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Nigeria, who are currently ranked 40th in the latest FIFA World Rankings, will be looking to return to winning ways on Monday as they ramp up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and 2023 AFCON.
Paseiro will be aiming to put an end to the Super Eagles’ winless run.
Mozambique on their part are yet to win any of their previous five international friendlies.
Nigeria’s possible starting line-up:
Adeleye; Onyemaechi, Bassey, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel; Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Simon; Boniface, Moffi.
Mozambique’s possible starting line-up:
Fasistencio; Langa, Nene, Dove, Domingos; Guima, Amadu; Witi; Catamo, Gilfo, Ratifo.
