The Super Eagles suffered a 2-1 defeat to Portugal in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night, with Akor Adams on target as Eric Chelle’s side pushed one of the favourites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup all the way.
Pedro Neto gave the hosts the lead midway through the first half before Adams equalised shortly before the break. However, substitute Francisco Conceicao settled the contest with a brilliant second-half strike to hand Roberto Martinez’s men victory in their final warm-up game before departing for the World Cup.
Before kick-off, Alex Iwobi was honoured for reaching 100 appearances for Nigeria, receiving a commemorative plaque as he joined Wilfred Ndidi in leading a Super Eagles side that lined up in a 4-3-3 formation. Chelle handed starts to Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Akpan, Dele-Bashiru and Adams as Nigeria faced the World Cup-bound hosts.
Portugal, meanwhile, fielded a strong side led by Cristiano Ronaldo, with Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Joao Neves also included from the start.
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Nigeria showed little sign of intimidation during the opening exchanges.
The visitors won the first corner of the match and almost caught Portugal out when Bassey’s effort forced Diogo Costa into action. Moments later, Adams threatened again, dragging a shot wide after Nigeria broke forward quickly.
Portugal’s first major opening fell to Ronaldo after nine minutes. Played through on goal by Nelson Semedo, the veteran forward surprisingly slid his effort wide of the near post when it seemed easier to score. It was the first of several opportunities that would go begging for the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star.
The game developed into an open contest with both sides looking dangerous in transition.
Portugal eventually found the breakthrough in the 24th minute through Neto. Diogo Dalot did well to bring down a cross-field pass before spotting the winger unmarked inside the penalty area. Neto took advantage, firing into the far corner to put the hosts in front.
The goal lifted Martinez’s side and they nearly doubled their advantage shortly afterwards. Fernandes struck a powerful effort that required a save from Maduka Okoye before Ronaldo headed wide from the resulting corner.
Nigeria, however, remained a threat every time they moved forward.
The Super Eagles repeatedly found space on the counterattack and deservedly drew level in the 38th minute through Adams. The striker showed strength and composure, shrugging off Ruben Dias before exchanging passes with a teammate and finishing beyond Costa. The goal was Adams’ sixth for Nigeria and capped another impressive outing for the forward.
At half-time, the sides were level at 1-1 after an entertaining first half in which Nigeria matched their highly-rated opponents.
Martinez responded by making sweeping changes at the interval.
Eight substitutions were announced at the start of the second half, with Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Neves, Nuno Mendes, Renato Veiga, Samu Costa and Conceicao all introduced. A further update later revealed that Tomas Araujo had also entered the game, meaning only Costa and Ronaldo remained from the original starting line-up.
The fresh legs immediately increased Portugal’s attacking threat.
Felix almost marked his introduction with a goal when Okoye tipped a powerful effort over the crossbar before another attempt struck the woodwork. The forward remained heavily involved, later heading over from a Conceicao cross.
Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening in front of goal, passing up three good opportunities before making way for Goncalo Ramos in the 64th minute. The substitution was greeted with loud applause from the home crowd.\
Chelle also used the fixture to rotate his squad, introducing Frank Onyeka, Terem Moffi, Paul Onuachu, Sanusi and Bewene among others as the second half progressed.
The decisive moment arrived in the 75th minute.
After a period in which the game had become fragmented by substitutions and cooling breaks, Conceicao produced a moment of quality. Receiving the ball on the right edge of the penalty area, the winger cut inside onto his left foot and unleashed a powerful strike into the far corner beyond Okoye. The Nigeria goalkeeper had no chance as Portugal regained the lead.
Portugal managed the closing stages comfortably and almost added a third goal through Samu Costa, whose effort was well saved by Okoye. Nigeria pushed for an equaliser but could not find a way through as the hosts held on for victory.
Portugal finished with 58 percent possession and 13 attempts compared to Nigeria’s five. Yet the Super Eagles left Leiria with reasons for optimism after matching a World Cup-bound side for long periods and creating several dangerous moments of their own.
The result ended Nigeria’s four-match unbeaten run, but the Super Eagles emerged with plenty of positives after pushing a World Cup contender all the way in Leiria.
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