Nigeria breaks five-year jinx in friendly win

The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured their first friendly victory in five years when they defeated Mozambique 3-2 8 in an international friendly played in Portugal on Monday.

The Super Eagles had previously failed to win any friendly game since March 2019, a time frame of 4 years and seven months, and most recently drew 2-2 with Saudi Arabia on Friday.

Jose Peseiro’s had the opportunity to put a stop to the unwanted record facing Mozambique, but despite the goalkeeping problems in the 2-2 draw on Friday, head coach Peseiro kept faith in Uzoho. The coach defended the goalkeeper after Friday’s result.

“I like our players; when they make mistakes, it is my responsibility. The goalkeepers never play free or calm because of the people. I don’t know why they attack the goalkeepers every time. Why don’t they attack the strikers when they lose the ball or miss a goal why? They could make mistakes, and it is my responsibility. Next time, I need to train him (Uzoho) better.” Peseiro said.

He also gave Torunarigha and Dele-Bashiru their Super Eagles debut. This gave a new center-back partnership of captain Omeruo & Torunarigha in the starting lineup, but there was no chance for Victor Osimhen, who missed out due to injury, while Terem Moffi also started.

Mozambique led Nigeria after six minutes through Geny Catamo, but thirteen minutes later, Moffi levelled for Nigeria before Frank Onyeka’s 30th-minute strike put Nigeria ahead. The Mozambicans were reduced to ten men before halftime, and just before the break, Moses Simon’s penalty set Nigeria for a possible victory. However, Faisal Abdul Bangal made the scoreline more respectable in the 55th minute.

The win is Jose Peseiro’s first international friendly win in charge of Nigeria, and the players will regroup in November for the World Cup qualifiers before the AFCON next year.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu