The Super Eagles of Nigeria picked up their first friendly win since 2019 with a 3-2 win over ten man Mozambique in what was their second game in preparation for the start of the qualifiers for the World Cup in November.
Nigeria found themselves trailing as early as the 6th minute when goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was caught in no man’s land from a cross allowing Geny Catamo to tap the ball into the net.
Terem Moffi drew Nigeria level in the 19th minute with a ferocious drive from inside the box. Frank Onyeka made it 2-1 to Nigeria with another belter from the edge of the box.
Any hope of Mozambique mounting a fight back was extinguished when Edmilson was sent off for a foul on Joe Aribo who was bearing down on goal after robbing his man off the ball.
It became 3-1 not long after when a Mozambique defender handled the ball in the box. Moses Simon stood up and smashed the ball into the net to give the Nigerian side a commanding 3-1 lead as both teams lead into the half time break.
Ten minutes after the restart, Mozambique pulled one back with Faisal Bangal turning home a free kick from the edge of the Super Eagles box.
It stayed that way till full time with Nigeria coming close with several attempts to extend their advantage. They will now regroup in Uyo for the AFCON qualifiers against Lesotho in November.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
