The Super Eagles play Mozambique on Monday, and they would be looking to get a win after the disappointing result against Saudi Arabia
Nigeria’s Super Eagles play Mozambique on Monday at the Estadio Municipal Albufeira in one of their preparatory games for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet reports.
The three-time African champions are favourites for the game, but coach Jose Peseiro will be without two of his best legs, as Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Iheanacho have withdrawn from the game.
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Nonetheless, with players like Terem Moffi and Victor Boniface still available, Peseiro has enough firepower to prosecute the game.
Soccernet previews five players who could be game-changers for the Super Eagles on Monday.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder got his first call-up for this set of games, and he is in contention to get a spot in the first eleven.
Dele-Bashiru is very quick and deadly in one-on-one positions, and he is very direct. He has yet to play a game for Nigeria, so he would be eager to make an impact in the game if he gets the chance.
Any player with fire in his belly is often a danger to the opposition, but he would perform to his fullest potential.
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Osayi-Samuel has had a great campaign with Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig, registering one goal in five appearances.
Osayi-Samuel is quite stealthy in defence and offers a serious threat in attack. The 25-year-old’s impact was felt when he was introduced against Saudi Arabia, and he could be a deadly weapon against the Mambas.
Osayi-Samuel is billed to start the game on Monday, and with a possible partnership with Samuel Chukwueze, Nigeria’s right wing would be on fire.
Moses Simon
On his good day, Simon is a threat to any attack. He was involved in Nigeria’s two goals against Saudi Arabia. The Nantes man did not start the last game so that means he would get more minutes against Mozambique.
At his club, Simon has had a great start, registering two goals and three assists in eight appearances for Nantes.
Peseiro would be banking on him to be the creative spark against Mozambique.
Calvin Bassey
The Fulham star had a very good match against Saudi Arabia. Bassey was very solid in the defence. He hardly put a foot wrong, and if not for the set-pieces that Saudi Arabia capitalised on, he would have gotten away with a clean sheet.
Against Mozambique, Bassey should start, so he would have to put up a strong performance and stop the Mambas from getting any joy in attack.
Victor Boniface
With Osimhen out of the Mozambique game, Boniface would be looking to wreak havoc and stake a claim. He was denied a goal against Saudi Arabia, but he would be looking to set things right next time.
Boniface is technically gifted and is a hard worker on the pitch. Aside from his prowess in front of goal, he also has an eye for the pass.
If Peseiro could set up his team properly, Boniface would excel.
