Nigeria’s Tremendous Eagles produced a spirited efficiency however suffered a slender 2-1 defeat to Portugal in a world pleasant match performed in Leiria on Wednesday night time.
Earlier than kick-off, Tremendous Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi was honoured for making his a hundredth look for Nigeria. The Chairman of the Nationwide Sports activities Fee, Shehu Dikko, alongside NFF Govt Committee member Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, introduced him with a particular framed shirt to mark the milestone.
Portugal, led by soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo, began brightly however discovered a decided Nigerian aspect able to compete.
Ronaldo had an early likelihood within the ninth minute however did not beat goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. On the different finish, striker Akor Adams additionally went shut however dragged his effort vast.
Portugal took the lead within the twenty third minute when Pedro Neto fired previous Okoye from shut vary after a move from Diogo Dalot.
Okoye then produced an excellent save to disclaim Bruno Fernandes within the thirty third minute earlier than Ronaldo narrowly missed with a header moments later.
Nigeria continued to push ahead and received their reward within the thirty seventh minute. Adams gained possession in midfield, made a run into the field and completed confidently after receiving a move from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to make it 1-1.
The Tremendous Eagles remained aggressive after the break, with Okoye making two necessary saves from João Félix. Ronaldo additionally continued looking for a purpose however couldn’t discover the goal.
On the hour mark, Tremendous Eagles coach Éric Chelle launched a number of substitutes, together with Terem Moffi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka. The modifications gave Nigeria recent vitality as they continued to hassle the hosts.
Nonetheless, Portugal discovered the profitable purpose with quarter-hour remaining. Francisco Conceição reduce in from the appropriate and fired house to revive his aspect’s lead.
Okoye made one other spectacular save late within the recreation to disclaim Félix, however Nigeria couldn’t discover an equaliser earlier than the ultimate whistle.
Regardless of the defeat, the Tremendous Eagles earned reward for his or her preventing spirit and robust show towards a Portugal aspect making ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The loss was solely the second defeat in common time for Chelle since taking cost of Nigeria 15 months in the past.
