Super Eagles Romp to 3-2 Edge over Mozambique’s Mambas

In the absence of Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Iheanacho, Super Eagles labored to a not too convincing 3-2 victory over the Mambas of Mozambique in an international friendly played in Portimao, Portugal yesterday.

Although the victory ended Nigeria’s apparent jinx of 55 months without a win in friendly encounters, there was nothing inspiring in the quality Jose Peseiro wards dished out against the Mambas.

Goals by Terem Moffi, Frank Onyeka and Moses Simon steered Nigeria to the 3-2 victory over 10-man Mozambique.

The Mambas got in front with a shock goal after only six minutes when Catamo dragged the ball past goalkeeper Francis Uzoho who anticipated the ball 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 battle-cry ‘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.