Nigeria v Sao Tome and Príncipe: Match preview, what to expect, team news, key players, kickoff time

Nigeria will square up against São Tomé and Príncipe in the last qualification match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles have qualified for the next edition of the AFCON but still need to avoid a defeat to finish the qualifiers as group winners.

São Tomé and Príncipe on the other hand won't participate as they have only earned 1 point from 5 matches so far.

Match preview

The only encounter between both sides took place last year where the Super Eagles annihilated the Falcons and True Parrots team 10-0.

Jose Peseiro's side are overwhelming favourite heading into the game and expected to have a stroll in the park in tomorrow's dead rubber. 

What to expect

The three-time African champions should dominate the encounter with the gulf in class between them and True Parrots and Falcons team.

There should also be a lot of wing play from the home side with the quality of their wingers and fullbacks.

São Tomé and Príncipe will defend deep in their half, bide their time and wait for their opportunity to hurt Nigeria.

Team news

KAA Gent striker Gift Orban has a minor discomfort in the leg and will undergo a late fitness test on Saturday to determine his availability for the match. The 21-year-old did not take part in full training in the final workout on Friday. 

Key players

1. Victor Osimhen:  The Ballon d'or nominee is the leading scorer in the AFCON qualifiers and will be a thorn in the flesh of Adriano Eusébio's side.

The 24-year-old netted four goals in the first leg and will be confident of adding to his tally in the encounter 

2. Wilfred Ndidi: The Leicester City midfielder will sit in front of the defence and is expected to play a vital role in Pesiro's men dictating the pace of the game.

3. Luis Leal: He is the skipper of the away side and has accounted for two of the three goals scored by the São Toméans so far in this qualifying campaign.

If the Falcons and True Parrots are to cause any upset, Leal will play a role.

Kickoff time and venue

The match is scheduled to start at 1700 hours and will be staged at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. 

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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