Following an uphill battle, Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated Mozambique 3-2 on Monday, October 16.
The win halted a streak of 15 consecutive winless games in their international friendlies since 2019.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria had earlier drew 2-2 with Saudi Arabia on Friday, October 13, in Portugal, marking the team’s 15th consecutive friendly game without a win since 2019.
The Super Eagles have lost nine and tied six of their previous 15 friendlies since defeating Egypt 1-0 in March 2019 thanks to an early goal from Paul Onuachu. This includes Friday’s 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia.
However, the Super Eagles’ 16th friendly match in the previous four years against Mozambique on Monday, October 16, put a halt to that pattern.
Even without the injured Victor Osimhen and the in-form Kelechi Iheanacho, who reportedly has personal matters to resolve, the Nigerian team was able to hold their own against the hard-working Mozambique team.
Mozambique startled Nigeria with the opening goal of the enthralling match as early as the sixth minute, thanks to a shot from Geny Catamo.
They were in the lead until Terem Moffi, who is presently playing for OGC Nice, equalised with a close-range strike in the 19th minute.
Frank Onyeka’s goal from the edge of the 18-yard box gave Nigeria its first lead of the match at the halfway point.
Mozambique’s Edmilson received a red card in the 38th minute, making matters worse.
A Mozambique player handled the ball in the penalty area before the first half ended, and the referee gave Nigeria a penalty, which Simon Moses scored in stoppage time to make it 3-1 for the Super Eagles.
Mozambique attempted to mount a comeback despite being down a man in the second half, but they were only successful in scoring once, on a goal by Faisal Bangal in the 55th. That compelled the game to end with Nigeria winning 3-2.