São Tomé and Príncipe will be out to avoid another whipping when they lock horns with Nigeria in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Stade Adrar in Agadir, Morocco on Monday.
The True Parrots were hammered 5-1 by Guinea Bissau in their opening Group A clash and will be eager not to suffer the same fate against the Super Eagles.
Edmilson Viegas, who turns for Portuguese first division side Fabril, scored the lone goal for Sao Tome before the Djurtus wrecked havoc on the Islanders.
Sao Tome have lost seven out of nine matches played in all competitions, with just one win that was achieved against Mauritius in an Afcon qualifier.
The True Parrots have never qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations and they last tasted victory back in March 2016 when they beat Libya 2-1 in an AFCON qualifier.
Elsewhere, Nigeria had a good start as they merged 2-1 winners over Sierra Leone and are currently second in the group behind Guinea Bissau.
The Super Eagles overcame a stunning early goal to turn the screw on Sierra Leone, courtesy of Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen strikes.
Nigeria will miss the services of William Troost-Ekong in the game while Innocent Bonke has returned to the team and is now in contention to play.
Troost-Ekong suffered a muscle injury against Sierra Leone last Thursday and couldn’t recover in time for the trip to Morocco.
Jose Peserio, the Nigeria coach, has indicated that his charges will be going into the match with a motive to upstage Guinea-Bissau at the top of their group.
“We want to be at the top of the table, that is why we must fight hard against every opponent and we must commit ourselves fully to winning every match,” the coach said.
“Like I said last week, Nigeria have a huge pedigree with quality players. It’s very important that we select the best at all times to win the big games.”
Referee Hassen Zinnah Corneh from Liberia will be in charge of the clash between São Tomé and Príncipe and Nigeria on Monday.
