Nigeria vs Sao Tome: Arsenal striker and 2 other players that can shock Super Eagles in Uyo

All is set for this weekend’s final round of matches in the Total Energies AFCONQ2023 qualifiers across the continent. 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will host their counterparts from Sao Tome and Principe, the Falcons and True Parrots, in the city of Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

The Eagles will hope for a repeat of the reverse fixture which saw Nigeria put 10 goals past the helpless True Parrots in Agadir, Morocco, last year. 

Ahead of the encounter which is a dead rubber as Nigeria has already picked one of two tickets while Sao Tome can’t qualify, the visitors will arrive in Nigeria with a unique first.

The Falcons have named an all-foreign-based team for the first time ever as they look to ensure a credible outing against one of Africa’s giants this time. 

With what looks like a new-look side, who are the players that can hurt Jose Peseiro’s Super Eagles in Nigeria?

Pulse Sports has picked three players who seem to have the pedigree to cause Nigeria problems. Let’s dig in quickly into their profile. 

The proverbial leader of the Falcons and True Parrots is a forward who plays for the Argentine side Arsenal Sarandi. 

Leal is not just Sao Tome and Principe’s skipper but also the team’s main man in attack. 

He is the Falcons’ leading scorer with 10 goals in 24 appearances while he has netted three goals in 17 outings for Arsenal this season. 

Not much is known about one of the youngest players in the Falcons and True Parrots team. 

Ricardo Cardoso plays in the Swedish Division 2 Norrland as a wide forward. 

The youngster who has played for Portuguese giants Benfica and Sporting CP is a serious goal threat from the wings.

He has scored two goals in four appearances for Sao Tome and Principe and will face the Super Eagles in fine form having scored 10 goals in 17 appearances this year. 

Another player that the Nigeria Super Eagles defenders must keep close tabs on is this young forward, Viegas.

Viegas is currently on loan at Liga 3 side Monacarapachense from Portuguese side Amora.