Following their disappointing 2-2 draw with the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia, the Mozambique vs Super Eagles clash is a chance to redeem themselves.
The Super Eagles let a 2-1 lead slip in the final minute of their encounter against Saudi Arabia.
It was a painful night for the fans of the Nigerian team as they watched their team fritter away several chances and then watched as poor goalkeeping gave the Asian side a share of the spoils.
Coach Jose Peseiro has something adjusting to do with his starstudded side, and the fans might be less forgiving if they record anything less than a resounding victory against the Mambas.
Keep in mind that the Super Eagles have not won any international friendly since March 2019. They have had 8 losses and 7 draws in their last 15 friendly games.
So, what should we expect from the Mozambique vs Super Eagles tie?
Mozambique vs Super Eagles possible lineups
Many Nigerians would be tearing their hair out if, somehow, Francis Uzoho finds his way into the starting lineup.
The Omonia (Cyprus) goalkeeper dropped a few clangers against Saudi Arabia, with many Nigerians seemingly tired of his shenanigans.
There have been louder calls for Adeleye to be afforded an extended chance with the Super Eagles. Perhaps the Mozambique vs Super Eagles tie is a good chance to play the goalkeeper.
In the absence of Victor Osimhen due to injury, Victor Boniface should make a bolder claim for a starting berth with the Super Eagles.
Clock ticking, we go again soon.#SoarSuperEagles #LetsDoItAgain pic.twitter.com/scOt8PUTG8
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 15, 2023
The Mambas have a few absentees for this tie. David Malembana, Mexer Sitoe and Clesio Bauque will be missing. Their absence ranges from injury to the death of a relation.
Shaquille, Edmilson Dove, Ernani, Dominguez, Dário, Dayo António and Ivan were left in Maputo when the contingent departed.
They could not get visas to Portugal.
Nigeria:
Goalkeeper: Maduka Okoye
Defence: Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Tyrone Ebuehi
Midfield: Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman
Forward: Victor Boniface, Kelechi Iheanacho
Mozambique
Goalkeeper: Emani
Defence: Bruno Langa, Mexer, Domingos, David Malembana
Midfield: Guima, Amadu, Domingues
Forward: Geny Catamo, Stanley Ratifo, Witi
Mozambique vs Super Eagles: Prediction
Super Eagles to win
The Mambas of Mozambique, who qualified for AFCON 2023 from Group L, should be a solid test for the Super Eagles as they prepare for the tournament in January 2024.
Mozambique vs Super Eagles is one tie the Nigerian side is yet to lose a game or concede a goal, and we should expect the tradition to continue.Â
Nigeria should, as usual, create plenty of scoring opportunities, but it is unlikely that the Mambas would trouble them offensively, except whoever is in goal decides to do an Uzoho.
Victor Boniface to score
With Victor Osimhen out to injury, Boniface will lead the line and should be his own man without worrying about the shadow of Osimhen.
Saudi Arabia denied him a goal, but Mozambique vs Super Eagles is a chance to get his first Super Eagles goal.
Over 2.5 odds
The Super Eagles showed against Saudi Arabia solid quality. They have a plethora of attacking talent and should get goals against the Mambas.
With players on the bench who can turn the game around if headed in the wrong direction, the Mambas are in for a long Monday evening.
Super Eagles vs the Mambas – Head-to-Head
The Super Eagles are ranked 40th on the FIFA rankings, while their opponents on Monday evening are down at 113.
Despite the disparity in rankings, the tie should make for an intriguing watch.
The Super Eagles have had four meetings with the Mambas. They are yet to lose any game to them, with three wins and one draw.
Nigeria's biggest win against the Mambas was the 3-0 victory in the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.Â
Their encounter in the FIFA World Cup qualification 1999 ended in Nigeria winning 1-0 at home and playing a goalless draw away.
The Super Eagles would do well to watch 22-year-old Catamo, who scored against Angola closely.
He has a goal involvement in his last four games for Mozambique.Â
Catamo should form the front three with Witiness João Quembo and Stanley Ratifo, who has three goals in 22 senior appearances.
Mozambique is yet to score against Nigeria.
Nigeria's Super Eagles have not won a friendly game since Match 2019.
They have had 8 loses and 7 draws in their last 15 friendly games. pic.twitter.com/wWLgO03A20
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) October 14, 2023
Lessons from the Super Eagles draw with Saudi Arabia
- Boniface and Osimhen do not compliment each other.
- The Super Eagles are in dire need of a quality goalkeeper.
- Nigeria's attack would trouble any defence in the world.
- Peseiro needs to up his tactical ante, as he is not getting the best out of the players.
- The Super Eagles will have trouble getting the right blend for the team at AFCON.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 weeks ago
