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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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