By Akinwale Kasali
Three first half goals from Terem Moffi, Frank Onyeka and Moses Simon were all the Super Eagles of Nigeria needed to secure a 3-2 win over the Mambas of Mozambique in an international friendly in Portimonese, Portugal.
The Mozambicans took the lead as early as the 7th minute courtesy of a strike from Geny Catamo.
The goal rattled the three time African Cup of Nations champions who hit back through Terem Moffi in the 19th minute before Brentford Football Club of England midfielder, Frank Onyeka scored the second goal for the Coach Jose Peseiro side.
The Southern African team were red-carded in the 39th minutes as Edmilson Gabriel Dove received the marching order to reduce their team to 10 players.
In the run of play, the Super Eagles got a penalty kick that was converted by Moses Simon.
The first half finished 3-1 with the West African side taking the lead.
In the second half, the Mozambicans made two substitution by bringing in Fernando Chamboco and Gildo to add more bite to their attack which paid off.
Faisal Abdul Bangal scored the second goal for his side to reduce the deficit, but the Super Eagles held on to record a 3-2 win over their opponent.
Coach Peseiro made Nine Changes from the team that started against the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia on Friday with only Goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho and Bruno Onyemaechi making the starting line up.
Jordan Torunarigha made his long awaited debut for Nigeria, pairing Kenneth Omeruo and Bright Osayi Samuel in the defense.
Frank Onyeka, debutant, Olufisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Moses Simon and Joe Aribo were in the heart of the Super Eagles midfield, with Terem Moffi playing as a lone striker.
At the later stage of the game, Chiedozie Awaziem, Ademola Lookman, Umar Sadiq, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Victor Boniface Okoh came in as substitute.
The Super Eagles next assignment will be against the Crocodiles of Lesotho and the Warriors of Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in November.
