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

Nigeria vs Sao Tome and Principe. (Photo Credit: Imago and Pulse Sports collage)

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

Izuchukwu Akawor 14:42 - 06.09.2023

Nigeria Super Eagles will host the Falcons and True Parrots in the final round of matches in the AFCONQ2023 this weekend.

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.

Nigeria vs. Sao Tome

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.

Super Eagles News
Nigeria Super Eagles have sealed a ticket to Ivory Coast. (Photo Credit: Imago)

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?

Jordan Torunarigha and Jose Peseiro of Super Eagles. (Photo Credit: Super EaglesX)

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

Luis Leal, Striker 

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

Super Eagles News: Luis Leal
Luis Leal is one of Sao Tome and Principe's most experienced players. (Photo Credit: Xolos/Facebook)

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. 

Ricardo Cardoso, winger

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. 

Super Eagles News: Ricardo Cardoso
Ricardo Cardoso is oneof Sao Tome and Principe's brightest talents at the moment. (Photo Credit: HJK Helsinki/Facebook)

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. 

Ebanilson Viegas, midfielder

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

Super Eagles News: Ebanilson Viegas
Ebanilson Viegas of Sao Tome. (Photo Credit: Ebanilson/Facebook)

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

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