International football is back in the spotlight, and fans of the beautiful game eagerly await two exciting, friendly matches featuring Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Head Coach Jose Santos Peseiro has called up a mix of seasoned stars and promising talents for these encounters against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.
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The Return of Key Players, New Blood and Fresh Faces
Peseiro has recalled defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielder Alex Iwobi, and forward Terem Moffi to the squad. These four players were notably absent from the team’s recent victory over Sao Tome and Principe in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
Additionally, midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru from Hatayaspor FC in Turkey has received his first-ever national team call-up, and yet-to-be-capped defender Jordan Torunnarigha has also earned a call-up. This showcases Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing new talent.
Showdown in Portugal
The friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in the Portuguese city of Portimao have been strategically scheduled to prepare the Super Eagles for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The clash with Saudi Arabia on Friday promises to be a captivating encounter. Both teams are three-time champions in their respective continents, making this friendly a contest of football giants.
Interestingly, these two nations have met before, with their previous encounter in Europe as a friendly match. That scoreless draw in Wattens, Austria, on May 25, 2010, was part of the Super Eagles’ preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa. Notably, the Saudis did not qualify for that tournament.
In terms of rankings, the Super Eagles and the Green Falcons have witnessed changes since that encounter in 2010. Back then, the Super Eagles were ranked 21st globally, while the Green Falcons were 66th. Fast forward to today, and the Eagles are 40th in the world, with the Falcons closely behind at 57th. Saudi Arabia’s best-ever ranking was 21st in July 2004, while Nigeria reached an all-time high of 5th in the world in April 1994, following their Africa Cup of Nations win in Tunisia.
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Revisiting the Rivalry: Super Eagles vs Mozambique
On Monday, the Super Eagles will play their fifth senior-level match against Mozambique at the Estadio Municipal de Portimão. In their first friendly match, the Super Eagles edged the Mambas by the odd goal in Maputo before two memorable clashes in 2009 in the race to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa.
Both teams settled for a scoreless draw in Maputo, and in Abuja in October 2009, Obinna Nsofor headed powerfully into the net for the three points to save Nigeria’s blushes. When both teams faced off at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola in 2010, in the group phase, the Super Eagles thrashed the Mambas 3-0 in Lubango.
Exciting Talents & Opportunities
Coach Peseiro has an array of exciting talents at his disposal, including experienced players like Kenneth Omeruo, Semi Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, and Alex Iwobi, and promising talents like Bright Osayi-Samuel, Jordan Torunarigha, Terem Moffi, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar, and Victor Osimhen. The absence of in-form forward Taiwo Awoniyi due to injury opens up opportunities for Bayer Leverkusen hitman Boniface and Nice forward Moffi to impress Peseiro.
With the return of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, the competition between him and Francis Uzoho for the number one spot intensifies. Both goalkeepers understand that only the best will earn the coveted spot for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the AFCON tournament.
“Let’s Do It Again” – Super Eagles’ Battlecry for AFCON 2023
The Super Eagles’ path to glory in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations group stage draw has ignited the team’s spirit, rallying them behind the battle cry, ‘Let’s Do It Again.’ The team will face the hosts, Ivory Coast, along with Guinea Bissau and Equatorial Guinea in Group A. As they embark on this journey, the Super Eagles are determined to etch their name in the annals of African football history by clinching their fourth Africa Cup of Nations title.
The catchphrase ‘Let’s Do It Again’ encapsulates their unwavering commitment to relive the glory of past triumphs and create new memories.
Give a boost to your next sports betRoad to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Nigeria’s journey towards a return to the FIFA World Cup begins in November when they host Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The Super Eagles will compete against South Africa, Benin Republic, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Lesotho for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
The Odds and the Astute Bet
13/10 15:00 Saudi Arabia – Nigeria Nigeria to score in both halves @ 3.95 (Betano)
With Betano‘s irresistible odds, you can invest in your unwavering faith in the Super Eagles by staking on Nigeria to score in both halves against Saudi Arabia at enhanced odds of 3.95. But that’s not all; Betano offers an exciting bet builder with odds of 9.50, giving you the chance to wager on Nigeria winning the first half, both teams scoring, and 4-6 goals in the match.
Saudi Arabia vs Nigeria - Nigeria to score in both halves @ 3.95
Furthermore, it’s never too early to place your bets on Nigeria’s journey back to the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. At odds of 300, you can be a part of the Naija dream and support the Super Eagles in their quest to lift the coveted trophy in North America.
Just close your eyes for a moment and imagine the thrilling sight of Nigeria hoisting the World Cup in 2026. Your celebration would not only be for their victory but for the brilliance of your bet, a decision that could yield substantial rewards. It’s a journey brimming with excitement, anticipation, and the potential for a significant payout.
Nigeria to win 2026 World Cup @ 300The anticipation is building as Nigerian football fans eagerly await these upcoming challenges. The Super Eagles have their sights set on both the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations and are ready to take flight and make their nation proud once more.