Nigeria 3-2 Mozambique: Moffi, Simon step up in Osimhen’s absence to lift Super Eagles to Mambas 5-goal thriller

The three-time African champions were the better side in Portugal as they cruised to a straightforward victory over the East Africans

Frank Onyeka scored his first-ever goal for Nigeria as Super Eagles handed Mozambique a 3-1 defeat in an international friendly at the Estadio Municipal de Albufeira on Monday evening.

With Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Iheanacho unavailable, head coach Jose Peseiro was certain to make changes to the starting eleven that played against Saudi Arabia three days ago.

The changes, though, were massive as Jordan Torunarigha, making his international debut, paired Kenneth Omeruo in defence, with Bright Osayi-Samuel holding forte at right-back.

Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka slotted in midfield alongside Joe Aribo, while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru also made his Super Eagles bow just behind Moses Simon and Terem Moffi in attack.

Strangely, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho retained his spot between the goalposts despite his horrible error against Saudi Arabia.

And the Omonia Nicosia shot-stopper was again not covered in glory when Geny Catamo gave Mozambique the lead with only six minutes on the clock.

The Super Eagles were stunned by that early goal, but they recovered quickly enough as Terem Moffi grabbed the equaliser in the 19th minute. The OGC Nice forward reacted the fastest to a rebound after the goalkeeper spilled a shot to stab home from close range.

On the half-hour mark, Dele-Bashiru marked his Super Eagles debut with an assist as he set the ball up for Onyeka to make it 2-1 for Nigeria.

In the dying minutes of the half, the Super added their third as Moses Simon made no mistake from the spot after the referee awarded Nigeria a penalty.

Another momentary loss of concentration at the start of the second half allowed Faisal Bangal to steal in and score the second goal for Mozambique. 

Still, the Super Eagles were the dominant side, especially in attack, where Nigeria had several chances to extend their lead.

In the 70th minute, substitute Umar Sadiq got the ball into the net, but it was ruled out for offside. Alex Iwobi also shot wide midway through the second period before Victor Boniface struck another effort that was cancelled. 

Despite the wasted opportunities, the Super Eagles were good for the win, registering their fourth victory over the last five games and returning to winning ways after the draw with Saudi Arabia. 

Next for Nigeria are two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in November.