Mohammed Sanusi, the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has expressed his delight and appreciation for the Super Eagles‘ triumph over Mozambique in a recent international friendly match.
The victory not only ended a lengthy winless streak in friendly encounters but also laid a strong foundation for the team's upcoming challenges.
In this article, we delve into the significance of the Super Eagles' win, its implications for the team's future, and the promising outlook it presents for Nigerian football and the NFF.
NFF: Morale boosting victory and player chemistry revealed
Goals by Terem Moffi, Frank Onyeka, and Moses Simon propelled Nigeria to a thrilling 3-2 victory over a 10-man Mozambique in their second international friendly.
This triumph marked a significant milestone as it ended a 55-month-long winless streak in friendly matches, dating back to March 2019 when they defeated Egypt.
The Super Eagles had previously been held to a 2-2 draw in their first friendly game against Saudi Arabia‘s Green Falcons, making this victory all the more satisfying.
According to NFF's Sanusi, the Super Eagles' victory over Mozambique is not just a win on paper but also a morale booster that is invaluable for the team.
This win instills a winning mentality among the players, setting a positive tone for their upcoming challenges, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The importance of mental resilience and self-belief in the world of football cannot be overstated, and this victory plays a vital role in building the team's confidence.
Sanusi also highlighted that the players selected for the friendly matches proved themselves on the field, dispelling any doubts about the validity of their selection.
The NFF is content with their performance, and it is evident that the coach's choice in inviting these players was not a mistake.
Friendly matches serve as a platform to evaluate the players and determine how well they integrate into the team's dynamics.
In this case, the players who joined the squad for the first time demonstrated their ability to collaborate and play effectively as a team.
“The win over Mozambique is a good one and of course we are happy we have won,” the General Secretary of the NFF said
“It is also a morale booster for the team as they begin preparations for both the World Cup qualifiers as well as the AFCON.
“These are some of the positives and reasons for organising friendly matches such as these,” NFF stated
“It is not just about winning but more about trying out the players we intend to use in the upcoming tournaments.
“Players could be good but when they come to play with other players they actually don’t gel together.
“But we have seen that these players that came for the first time have been able to integrate and play very well as a team,” NFF's Mohammed Sanusi concluded.
The bigger picture and the upcoming challenges
While winning friendly matches is undoubtedly a positive outcome, Sanusi emphasized that these encounters are about more than just securing victories.
They are also about assessing the synergy between players and ensuring that the selected individuals can work together effectively as a team.
The Mozambique victory showcased the Super Eagles' ability to do just that, promising exciting prospects for Nigerian football in the near future.
he Super Eagles now look forward to their World Cup qualifying campaign, with matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe scheduled for November 13 and 20, respectively.
After this, they will embark on the 34th AFCON tournament set to take place in Cote d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
The momentum gained from their recent victory against Mozambique will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in these upcoming competitions, as the team seeks to shine on the international stage.
The Super Eagles' victory over Mozambique is not just a win in a friendly match; it is a statement of intent.
It serves as a crucial morale booster and a testament to the quality and potential of the players within the squad.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 34th AFCON, they do so with the confidence and unity that can only come from a hard-fought victory.
Nigerian football enthusiasts have every reason to be optimistic about the future of the Super Eagles.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 weeks ago
