The Super Eagles produced a spirited display but ultimately fell to a 2-1 defeat against Portugal in an entertaining international friendly on Wednesday night http://sportcabal.com.ng reports.
A first-half strike from Pedro Neto gave the hosts the lead before Akor Adams restored parity for Nigeria with a well-taken finish. However, substitute Francisco Conceicao emerged as the match winner after netting in the second half to secure victory for Roberto Martinez’s side.
The result means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two nations, having also recorded a 4-0 victory when they last faced Nigeria in a friendly encounter in 2022.
Before kick-off, midfielder Alex Iwobi was presented with a commemorative frame in recognition of his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles.
Portugal named a star-studded lineup featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, Diogo Dalot, Joao Neves and Vitinha, while Nigeria boss Eric Chelle handed a debut to Christian Akpan and entrusted Akor Adams to lead the attack alongside Moses Simon and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
The hosts threatened early when Ronaldo fired wide after just two minutes. Nigeria responded in the seventh minute through Bruno Onyemaechi, whose low effort from outside the area was comfortably saved.
Portugal came close again moments later when Ronaldo raced through on goal following a swift counterattack, but Maduka Okoye stood firm to deny the veteran forward in a one-on-one situation.
Nigeria nearly made the breakthrough themselves seconds later. Adams found space inside the box but dragged his left-footed effort narrowly wide of the post.
The deadlock was eventually broken by Portugal midway through the first half. Dalot’s pass found Neto inside the area and the Chelsea winger drilled a low shot beyond Okoye to make it 1-0.
Bruno Fernandes almost doubled the advantage in the 33rd minute, but Okoye reacted brilliantly to push away the Manchester United midfielder’s powerful effort.
Nigeria’s persistence paid off eight minutes before the interval. Dele-Bashiru slipped a neat pass into Adams, who showed composure to drive a low shot through the goalkeeper’s legs and level the score at 1-1.
Martinez made several changes at the start of the second half, introducing Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Joao Cancelo and Conceicao as Portugal looked to regain control.
The Portuguese dominated possession after the restart, but the Super Eagles remained organised and difficult to break down.
Ronaldo wasted another glorious opportunity in the 49th minute when he failed to connect properly with Nuno Mendes’ inviting cross despite having only Okoye to beat.
Portugal continued to press and nearly regained the lead on the hour mark, but Wilfred Ndidi produced an excellent interception to deny Conceicao from close range.
Chelle responded by freshening up his side, introducing Abdullahi Bewene, Zaidu Sanusi, Terem Moffi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika.
The breakthrough eventually arrived for Portugal with 15 minutes remaining. Conceicao cut inside from the right before unleashing a precise low effort that beat Okoye and found the far corner.
Nigeria pushed for an equaliser, with Chelle sending on Emmanuel Fernandez, Paul Onuachu and later Philip Otele in search of a late response.
Joao Felix had an opportunity to extend Portugal’s advantage in the 82nd minute, but Bewene recovered brilliantly to disrupt the attack before Okoye gathered the loose ball.
The Nigerian goalkeeper then produced another impressive save from point-blank range moments later to keep his side within touching distance.
The Super Eagles almost snatched a dramatic equaliser late on when substitute Samuel Chukwueze burst forward on a dangerous counterattack, but Portugal’s recovering defenders closed him down before he could get a shot away.
Despite the defeat, Chelle will take encouragement from his team’s competitive display against one of Europe’s strongest sides as preparations continue for future international assignments.
