Nigeria vs Mozambique: Super Eagles starting XI vs Mambas without Osimhen, Iheanacho

The Super Eagles of Nigeria (Photo Credit: X/Super Eagles)

Nigeria vs Mozambique: Super Eagles starting XI vs Mambas without Osimhen, Iheanacho

Izuchukwu Akawor 11:12 - 16.10.2023

Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Leicester City's Kelechi Iheanacho will miss Nigeria's clash against Mozambique on Monday.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will take to the pitch for the second time in a matter of days when they face Mozambique in an international friendly on Monday.

The Eagles will take to the pitch in Portugal with a team that notably excludes two key players, Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Nigeria loses Osimhen and Iheanacho

Osimhen and Iheanacho were in action when Saudi Arabia held Nigeria to a thrilling 2-2 draw on Friday. 

Napoli’s hero, Osimhen, lasted just 59 minutes before he was replaced by Terem Moffi as a precautionary measure while Iheanacho came off the bench to score an excellent goal. 

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After the game against the Green Falcons, the Super Eagles will now face the Mambas of Mozambique with a depleted squad following the departures of both stars.

Osimhen, 24, has since returned to Naples, with senior man, Iheanacho, excused from the camp for personal reasons.

Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen is back in Napoli || Credit: Imago

Therefore, with the forwards out of contention, who will Jose Peseiro turn to? Here is a look at how the Super Eagles could line up against Mozambique later today.

Nigeria XI vs Mozambique

The absence of Osimhen and Iheanacho has raised questions among fans and followers, but the Eagles have enough cover to take on the Mambas.

Super Eagles of Nigeria played out a 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia
Iheanacho was a standout as the Super Eagles played out a 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia and will aim to score against Mozambique - X/Super Eagles Super Eagles of Nigeria played out a 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia

In the last encounter against Saudi Arabia’s Green Falcons, coach Peseiro lined up his team in a 4-42, with Osimhen and Victor Boniface leading the lines. 

Now, this predicted lineup will assume that the former Porto boss will stick with that formation, with Boniface expected to retain his place in the team.

Victor Boniface is off the mark for the Super Eagles. Image Credit - Boniface/Instagram

Ligue 1-based Moffi has been a constant feature under Peseiro and was the man who replaced Osimhen against the Falcons. 

Expect Moffi to line up against Bayer Leverkusen’s superstar, Boniface, in that front two. 

Terem Moffi replaced Osimhen against Saudi Arabia. - Instagram/Terem Moffi

I expect Peseiro to also make changes in the wide positions, with Moses Simon, who impressed in 24 minutes in the last game, coming in for Ademola Lookman. 

Samuel Chukwueze will retain his position on the right just because of a lack of options, but I do expect to see Bright Osayi-Samuel replace Tyronne Ebuehi at right-back.

Samuel Chukwueze had an off day against Saudi Arabia. (Photo Credit: Super Eagles/X)

Elsewhere in the defence, it’s time to see Jordan Torunarigha star for Nigeria while Bruno Onyemaechi must start at left-back again.

For the goalkeeping position, of course, i know this is one position that gives many fans sleepless nights, especially after Francis Uzoho’s slip-up against Saudi. 

Francis Uzoho did not cover himself in glory against Saudi Arabia and should be dropped.

Israel-based Adebayo Adeleye missed the last encounter due to his late arrival at camp, but he should be ready to start this one later today. 

Nigeria Probable XI vs Mozambique

Adeleye; Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Torunarigha, Bruno Onyemaechi; Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Simon; Moffi, Boniface

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