By Daniel Edu
Nigeria put in a tremendous effort on Monday to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Mozambique at the Estadio Municipal De Albufeira Portimao in Portugal. This victory marked the end of a 16-game winless streak in friendly matches that had plagued the Nigerian national team for four long years.
Under the leadership of manager Jose Peseiro, the Nigerian squad underwent significant changes compared to their previous match against Saudi Arabia, where they settled for a 2-2 draw. Only Francis Uzoho and Bruno Onyemaechi retained their spots in the starting lineup, while debutants Jordan Torunarigha and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru were given the opportunity to showcase their skills under the Portuguese coach’s guidance.
In defense, Peseiro fielded a new-look backline consisting of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Torunarigha, Kenneth Omeruo, and Onyemaechi. The midfield also underwent a transformation, with Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, and Joe Aribo forming a dynamic trio. In the attack, Dele-Bashiru and Moses Simon operated on the flanks, with Terem Moffi leading the offensive charge.
The Eagles started the match brightly and had an early opportunity in the fifth minute. However, Terem Moffi’s well-struck shot was parried away by Mozambique’s goalkeeper Hernani Siluane. In an unexpected turn of events, Mozambique managed to take the lead in the seventh minute through a swift counterattack, with Geny Catamo calmly slotting the ball past Francis Uzoho, catching the Nigerian goalkeeper off guard.
Despite falling behind, it took Nigeria just 10 minutes to respond. Terem Moffi seized his chance after an initial shot from Frank Onyeka, which Siluane couldn’t hold onto, allowing the Nice striker to find the net.
Nigeria came close to taking the lead just two minutes after leveling the score, but Hernani Siluane made an outstanding save to deny Frank Onyeka his first international goal following an excellent team buildup.
Onyeka eventually got the goal he deserved in the 29th minute, breaking his scoring duck for Nigeria after 13 appearances. The first half also saw Mozambique reduced to 10 men in the 38th minute when Edmilson Dove was shown a straight red card for fouling Joe Aribo, who was through on goal.
Nigeria extended their lead just before halftime when Moses Simon converted a penalty awarded for handball in the box. Despite their numerical advantage, Peseiro’s team failed to add to their lead, and it was Mozambique who managed to score their second goal.
Faisal Bangal found the back of the net for Mozambique in the 55th minute, with only their second shot on target. Although Peseiro made several substitutions following this goal, the Mambas managed to maintain their composure and held the score at 3-2.
Sadiq Umar had a goal disallowed in the 70th minute due to an infringement on the goalkeeper.
