Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has predicted a difficult test against Nigeria ahead of his side’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The international friendly will take place on Wednesday at the Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa in Leiria, with both teams looking to build momentum ahead of their next objectives.
Nigeria arrive for the fixture after earning a 2-2 draw against Poland in their most recent outing. The Super Eagles continue to rebuild under Eric Chelle after missing qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Portugal, meanwhile, secured a 2-1 win over Chile and will use the match as part of their preparations for their tournament opener against DR Congo.
Speaking before the game, Martinez highlighted the strengths of the Nigerian squad and explained why the encounter could prove valuable for Portugal.
“I think there are two main aspects for us against a team like Congo,” the former Belgium manager said.
“There are aspects, in terms of Nigeria’s forward players, where I think there are qualities that will be very helpful for us to defend as a team in the areas we’re going to face against DR Congo.
“I expect a Nigerian team to be very competitive.”
Martinez also praised the tactical flexibility displayed by Chelle’s side.
“I enjoyed the game against Poland, the last friendly. I love the ideas of the coach. I think, flexibly, as a team, using the different systems that they use, fits different players in different positions.”
The Spaniard believes Nigeria remain a dangerous opponent despite the absence of star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
“I can see that obviously players like Osimhen and Lookman are not here, but they are replaced by other players,” he continued.
“They have a really high level of performance, and I expect a very competitive game.
“Real quality players with a lot of experience like (Calvin) Bassey, Alex (Iwobi) – players that I know very, very well. (I expect) a competitive game that I think is going to help both teams in many aspects.”
Nigeria will hope to carry the momentum from their impressive 2-2 draw against Poland into Wednesday’s encounter. A competitive display against Portugal would not only boost confidence within the squad but also provide another important benchmark in the team’s ongoing development under Eric Chelle.
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