Nigeria vs Mozambique: Preview, Team News, Possible Line Up, Time of International Friendly

• Nigeria vs. Mozambique is expected to test the strength of both teams ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
• The Super Eagles played to a 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia earlier at the Estadio Municipal De Portimao in Portugal
• The same venue will stage the international friendly game between Nigeria and fellow Africans, the Mambas

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will file out against the Mambas of Mozambique in an international friendly match at the Estadio Municipal De Portimao in Portugal tonight.

Jose Peseiro’s men were held to a 2-2 draw by Saudi Arabia at the same venue on October 13 but will be gunning for victory against their fellow Africans on October 16.

The friendlies are in preparation for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which start in November, and the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in January.

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Nigeria failed to convert their numerous chances against the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia and went behind on the hour mark before an own goal and a Kelechi Iheancho strike put them ahead.

Mohamed Kanno had other plans when he struck home the equaliser for the Middle Eastern nation with practically the last kick of the game, which ended 2-2.

The Super Eagles will have to turn their attention from the draw to the friendly game against Mozambique, who were also held to a draw by Angola on Friday.

Both teams will use the game to test their strength ahead of the forthcoming 2023 AFCON, which starts in January.

Nigeria vs. Mozambique: team news

The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Iheanacho will not be available for this fixture.

Osimhen was caged in the game against Saudi Arabia but Iheanacho got on the scoresheet during the encounter for his country's second goal.

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Jose Peseiro is also expected to make a few changes in the starting line-up, as Hapoel Jerusalem star, Adebayo Adeleye could come in for goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho.

Soccernet reports that Fernabahce defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel could replace Tyronne Ebuehi in the XI while OGC Nice ace, Terem Moffi could partner Victor Boniface in the attack.

Nigeria’s possible starting line-up:

Adeleye; Onyemaechi, Bassey, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel; Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Simon; Boniface, Moffi.

Mozambique’s possible starting line-up:

Fasistencio; Langa, Nene, Dove, Domingos; Guima, Amadu; Witi; Catamo, Gilfo, Ratifo.

Mozambique vs. Nigeria: match details

Venue: Estádio Municipal de Albufeira, Portugal

Date: Monday, October 16, 2023

Kick-off time: 4pm (local time)

Wenger brands Super Eagles 'underachievers'

Sports Brief previously reported on former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger branding Nigeria as ‘underachievers’ but admitting the squad is full of talent.

The current FIFA Chief of Global Football Development said the Super Eagles had incredible players in their ranks but failed to reach the peak collectively.

Nigeria has only won the Africa Cup of Nations title on three occasions despite reaching the final seven times, with Wenger believing they can do far better.