Head coach Eric Chelle says the Super Eagles are happy to face Portugal in their international friendly on Wednesday, while stating that the result is not the main priority, but improving as a team.
Nigeria will face off against the Seleção at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa, Leiria in Portugal’s final game before they travel for the FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Chelle praised the European side, describing them as one of the contenders to win football’s biggest prize this summer.
“We’ll play against a big team. They can be the next champions of the world. This is a big team with big players. So we’re very happy to have this chance to play against them. This is a big game for them and for us.”
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The Super Eagles’ only previous game against Portugal came in 2022 ahead of the World Cup in Qatar. Portugal won that game 4-0, and while supporters believe that the friendly on Wednesday could be a revenge mission for Nigeria, Chelle insists that the team’s focus is on improving.
“This is not about the result. The most important goal and objective is to improve every game. We have to come into the game with a great state of mind.”
Portugal’s first game at the 2026 World Cup will come up on June 17 against DR Congo, the side that ended the Super Eagles’ World Cup dreams by defeating them at the African playoffs.
Chelle suggested that Roberto Martinez side could benefit from facing Nigeria as preparation for their World Cup opener against The Leopards, noting similarities in the physical intensity often associated with African teams.
“I think they want to play an African team maybe because of the intensity of the game physically. This is a good opportunity for Portugal to play against us because we already faced DRC in the playoff for the World Cup.”
Despite being viewed as the underdogs, the Super Eagles will be eyeing a huge victory against Portugal that will undoubtedly inspire the team, and increase their momentum ahead of future competitive matches.
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