Mozambique vs Nigeria
International Friendly
Monday
16th October 2023
Estadio Municipal de Albufeira
The most comprehensive preview and detailed analysis of the International Friendly fixture between Mozambique and Nigeria.
Mozambique vs Nigeria: Preview
Mozambique form analysis
In June, they secured a solid 0-2 away win over Rwanda in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, thanks to goals from Geny Catamo and Clésio. This suggested they were organized and clinical. A month later at the COSAFA Cup, they drew 1-1 with Angola in the group stages. This indicated they could compete well with regional opponents. In their next COSAFA Cup match, Mozambique narrowly lost 0-1 to Lesotho. The defeat highlighted they can struggle against defensive sides.
However, they bounced back to beat Mauritius 0-1 in their final group game, showing resilience.
Most recently, in September they earned an important 3-2 home win over Benin in World Cup qualifying. Despite conceding twice, they showed attacking threat.
Overall, Mozambique seem capable of getting solid results against regional opponents, even if they lack consistency. Their qualifying wins over Rwanda and Benin are encouraging but they will need to improve defensively. More data would help provide a fuller assessment of their current form and tactical approach.
Nigeria form analysis
Nigeria seems to be in decent form overall, despite some inconsistencies. The heavy 4-0 loss to Portugal in November shows they can struggle against elite opposition. However, they bounced back well in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, securing wins against Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone. The commanding 6-0 win over São Tomé in their last match indicates the attack is clicking nicely.
Victor Osimhen has been the standout performer, scoring 6 goals in the last 5 games. He provides a constant threat with his pace and finishing ability. The emergence of young talents like Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze gives the attack great balance. Moses Simon has also impressed, chipping in goals from midfield. Defensively there are still concerns after conceding 3 times against Sierra Leone. But the experience of players like William Troost-Ekong helps solidify the backline.
Overall, Nigeria seems to be building momentum and cohesion under manager José Peseiro. The attack has variety and goals in it, even if the defense remains a work in progress. With Osimhen in red-hot form, Nigeria will fancy their chances of progressing deep into the Africa Cup of Nations next year if they can sharpen up defensively. The raw potential is there, it’s up to Peseiro to mold this young squad into a tactically disciplined unit.
