All eyes will be at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as the Super Eagles of Nigeria lock horns with Sao Tome and Príncipe in Group A AFCON qualifiers match on Sunday evening. Kick-off is 5 pm.
The Super Eagles recorded an emphatic 10-0 victory when the sides squared off at the Stade Adrar in last year's reverse fixture, with Victor Osimhen bagging four goals, and will be aiming for a repeat of the record setting win in front of the home crowd in Uyo.
The clash will be the last in the qualifying series for both teams. While Nigeria are top of Group A and has qualified, the visitors are bottom with just one point in five matches.
Super Eagles vs São Tomé and Príncipe probable lineups
Here are our probable lineups for this rmatch:
Super Eagles
Goalkeeper: Francis Uzoho
Defenders: Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey
Midfielders: Frank Onyeka, Wilfried Ndidi, Joel Aribo
Forwards: Victor Boniface, Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze
São Tomé and Príncipe
Goalkeeper: Feher Mendez
Defenders: Rogerio Fernandez, Elias Varela, Adjakason Ramos, Leonildo Soares
Midfielders: Aldair Santos, Denilson Silva, Luis Selemane
Forwards: Luis Leal, Ebanilson Viegas, Ricardo Cardoso
Super Eagles vs São Tomé and Príncipe confirmed lineups
*Lineups will be automatically updated shortly after they're released
XI vs #SaoTomeEPrincipe #soarsupereagles #letsdoitagain pic.twitter.com/oYujbRjXWT
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 10, 2023
Super Eagles vs São Tomé and Príncipe predictions
Prediction 1: Nigeria to win both halves
Jose Peseiro's team hammered Sao Tome and Principe 10-0 in the reverse fixture back in June 2022, and the Seleçáo are in for another gruesome 90 minutes against a star-studded Super Eagles side. Sao Tome's form is currently nothing to write home about and we see the three-time African champions coming away with wins on both halves.
Prediction 2: First half over 1.5
The last encounter between both teams saw goals scored in the first half. Nigeria's last AFCON qualifier against Sierra Leone also witnessed at least two goals before the break. Going by these and how dangerous the Eagles attack have been, it's safe to say we'll see at least two goals in the first period.
Prediction 3: Over 3.5 Total Goals
Nigeria head into this clash on the back of a 3-2 win over the Leone Stars. Coming against Adriano Eusebio side that are no match for them, Jose Peseiro's team should score at least four goals against the visitors and we're fairly confident they'll do so.
Two players to watch out for in Super Eagles vs São Tomé and Príncipe match
Victor Boniface
Boniface has been on fire for his club Bayer Leverkusen this season and his addition to the current attack of the Super Eagles makes Nigeria even more fearful with lots of firepower.
For a very long time, there have been calls to invite the 22-year-old. Last season, he scored 17 goals and recorded 12 assists for Royale Union Saint Gilloise, but it was not enough to earn him a call-up.
Nevertheless, his performance earned him a move to Bayer Leverkusen, who splashed €20 million on the Nigerian this summer.
While some players may find the transition from Belgium to Germany difficult, Boniface has settled into Bundesliga like a duck to water, scoring goals and making life unbearable for defenders.
The former Bodo/Glimt star has been arguably the best player in Germany’s top flight this early season, with four goals and two assists in three games.
Boniface's early season performances caught the attention of Peseiro, who has finally called up the 22-year-old to the Super Eagles.
Boniface will now look to have a memorable debut and impress the Portuguese tactician.
Gift Orban
Gift Orban had a fantastic year last season. Orban’s display is even more impressive, considering he was relatively unknown before the start of 2023.
However, following his move to Gent from Staebek in January, Orban’s career grew in leaps and bounds. The 21-year-old’s name was on everyone’s lips after scoring 20 goals and registering two assists.
Orban has continued in the same vein this season with six goals in nine games to finally get his call-up. He now has the opportunity to show his quality on the international scene with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 weeks ago
