National Teams
Portugal 2-1 Nigeria: Akor Adams Scores on Iwobi’s 100th cap as Eagles Fall in Leiria
Nigeria’s impressive unbeaten run came to an end on Wednesday night after the Super Eagles suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria.
The encounter provided a stern test for Eric Chelle’s side against a Portuguese team already preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it was the hosts who ultimately emerged victorious thanks to a moment of brilliance from Francisco Conceição.
The Super Eagles arrived in Portugal full of confidence after going 12 matches without defeat in regulation time, but they were immediately put under pressure by a Portuguese side determined to make home advantage count.
Portugal’s early dominance paid off midway through the first half. Pedro Neto capped a slick attacking move in the 23rd minute, collecting a pass from Diogo Dalot before calmly placing his effort beyond Maduka Okoye to give the hosts a deserved lead.
The Portuguese continued to threaten, with Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix both testing Nigeria’s defence. However, Okoye produced a series of impressive saves to prevent the scoreline from widening.
As the first half progressed, Nigeria began to settle into the contest. Wilfred Ndidi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru grew into the game and helped the visitors gain more control in midfield.
Their improvement was rewarded eight minutes before halftime. Dele-Bashiru threaded an intelligent through ball into the path of Akor Adams, and the striker showed excellent composure to slot home his finish and restore parity for the Super Eagles.
The goal gave Nigeria renewed belief heading into the break and ensured the teams went into halftime level at 1-1.
The match also marked a significant milestone for Alex Iwobi, who made his 100th appearance for Nigeria. The Fulham midfielder became only the fourth player to reach the century mark for the Super Eagles, joining Nigerian football icons Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo and Ahmed Musa.
Both teams introduced fresh legs in the second half as the intensity remained high. Nigeria handed a senior debut to Christian Akpan, while Paul Onuachu, Frank Onyeka, Terem Moffi and Zaidu Sanusi were among the substitutes introduced by Chelle.
Despite Nigeria’s improved organisation after the interval, Portugal found the breakthrough in the 75th minute.
Conceição picked up possession on the right flank before embarking on a dazzling solo run. The winger skipped past multiple defenders and unleashed a precise low finish into the far corner, leaving Okoye with no chance and restoring Portugal’s advantage.
Nigeria responded positively and pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but Portugal’s defence stood firm during the closing stages to secure victory.
Although the result ended the Super Eagles’ unbeaten streak, there were encouraging signs for Chelle, particularly the performance of Akor Adams, the milestone achieved by Iwobi, and the opportunities handed to new faces within the squad.
Nigeria will now turn its attention to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September, while Portugal continue preparations for next year’s FIFA World Cup.
