Kick-Off: 5 pm WAT
Venue: Estadio Municipa de Portimao
In a highly anticipated friendly encounter, the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia are set to face off on Friday evening in the picturesque Portuguese city of Portimao.
This clash between two footballing giants promises to be a captivating spectacle, with both nations boasting an impressive history of success in their respective continents. Nigeria, a three-time champion of Africa, squares off against Saudi Arabia, a three-time champion of Asia, in what is poised to be an exciting matchup.
The history between these two teams is sparse, having met only once previously in a friendly fixture. This solitary encounter took place in Wattens, Austria, on the 25th of May 2010, as part of the Super Eagles’ final preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa. Notably, the Saudis did not participate in that World Cup.
Thirteen years ago, when the teams last lined up at the Alpenstadion, the Super Eagles held the upper hand in the FIFA World Rankings, sitting at the 21st position, while the Green Falcons were ranked 66th. In the current landscape, the Eagles find themselves at the 40th spot, with the Falcons at the 57th position.
Interestingly, Saudi Arabia achieved their highest-ever ranking, 21st, in July 2004, whereas the Eagles once soared to the lofty heights of 5th in the world in April 1994, shortly after clinching the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
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As both teams gear up for this anticipated showdown, Head Coach Jose Peseiro, who led Saudi Arabia that evening in Austria 13 years ago but now commands the reins of Nigeria, has a formidable squad at his disposal.
The Super Eagles boast a mix of promising talents and seasoned campaigners. The likes of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Jordan Torunarigha, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Terem Moffi, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar, and FIFA Ballon d’Or Dozen-Shortlist member Victor Osimhen are expected to take center stage.
The squad also features experienced defenders such as Kenneth Omeruo, who was part of the 2013 AFCON-winning team, Semi Ajayi, and Chidozie Awaziem. Midfield maestros Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, and Alex Iwobi bring their skill and experience to the lineup, while forward options include Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Regrettably, Peseiro will miss the services of in-form Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi, who is sidelined due to injury. However, this presents an opportunity to either start Victor Boniface or unleash the burgeoning talent of France-based Terem Moffi.
Moffi made a strong impression during Peseiro’s initial outings with the Eagles in the friendlies against Mexico and Ecuador in the USA last summer. He also etched his name in history by scoring as the Eagles secured a record international scoreline in an AFCON 2023 qualifying match against Sao Tome and Principe in Agadir, Morocco.
The return of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye adds a layer of competition to the mix. His rivalry with Francis Uzoho for Nigeria’s number one jersey is set to resume, and both goalkeepers are well aware that only the best will earn the coveted gloves for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers next month and the AFCON early next year.
Friday’s encounter promises to be a fascinating chapter in the footballing history of these two nations, and fans can expect an exciting contest as the Super Eagles and the Green Falcons square off in Portimao.