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Nigeria’s Super Eagles face Portugal in a friendly in Leiria on Wednesday, with the hosts aiming to build momentum for the World Cup and Cristiano Ronaldo potentially playing his last match on home soil.
Nigeria, still smarting from World Cup qualification failure, has lost only once in regulation time under coach Eric Chelle in 24 matches. Portugal beat Nigeria 4‑0 in their last meeting in 2022. The game also marks Alex Iwobi’s 100th cap for Nigeria. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are absent.
Key Points:
A strong performance against World Cup contenders would boost Nigeria’s confidence ahead of AFCON qualifiers.
Iwobi’s 100th cap celebration adds emotional weight to the friendly.
Portugal aim to extend their unbeaten run (four matches) before facing DR Congo in the World Cup.
Nigeria’s defence, without Igoh Ogbu, will be tested by Portugal’s star‑studded attack.
The match offers Chelle a chance to test depth in the absence of Osimhen and Lookman.
Kick‑off is 8:45 pm Nigerian time; Nigeria hopes to spoil Ronaldo’s farewell and avenge the 2022 defeat.
Sources: The Guardian, NFF, Soccernet
