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Super Eagles Face Stern Portugal Test as Iwobi Marks 100th Cap in Leiria Showdown
Nigeria’s senior men’s national team will take on Portugal’s Seleção das Quinas in Leiria on Wednesday night in a high-profile international friendly that carries far more significance than its label suggests.
Despite being a preparatory fixture, both teams have plenty at stake. Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle is determined to preserve his impressive record since taking charge, while Portugal boss Roberto Martínez wants his side to maintain momentum ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Chelle has enjoyed a remarkable spell with the Super Eagles, overseeing 24 matches and suffering just one defeat in regulation time—a pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly against Egypt in December 2025, played with a largely experimental squad. The Franco-Malian tactician has since guided Nigeria to strong performances in both competitive and friendly matches.
Portugal arrive in Leiria in confident mood. Martínez’s side is unbeaten in four outings, recording victories over the United States and Chile, alongside a draw with Mexico. Their last defeat came seven months ago when they lost 2-0 to the Republic of Ireland.
Wednesday’s encounter serves as Portugal’s final tune-up before opening their FIFA World Cup Group K campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The hosts boast a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, goalkeeper Diogo Jota, defenders Nélson Semedo, Rúben Dias and Diogo Dalot, midfield maestros Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and João Neves, as well as attacking talents João Félix, Gonçalo Guedes and Rafael Leão.
Portugal demonstrated their quality in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Chile in Lisbon, where Bruno Fernandes delivered a standout performance, providing an assist before scoring a spectacular goal himself.
Although meetings between Nigeria and Portugal have been rare, the Europeans hold recent bragging rights. The two nations last met on 17 November 2022, when Portugal secured a commanding 4-0 victory in Lisbon. Portuguese teams have also inflicted pain on Nigeria at youth level, notably defeating the Flying Eagles 2-0 in the final of the 1989 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
However, Chelle is unlikely to dwell on history as he prepares his side for battle at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa.
A major highlight for Nigeria will be the celebration of Alex Iwobi’s 100th senior international appearance. The Fulham midfielder is expected to receive special recognition before kick-off, marking a significant milestone in a career that has seen him become one of the Super Eagles’ most consistent performers.
Nigeria will be without key forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, but Chelle still has ample attacking options. Samuel Chukwueze returns after missing the draw with Poland, while experienced winger Moses Simon, alongside strikers Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams and Terem Moffi, provides attacking depth. Philip Otele has also impressed in recent outings, including the Unity Cup campaign in London.
At the back, Abdullahi Bewene could retain his place after an eye-catching debut against Poland, especially with Bright Osayi-Samuel unavailable. Although defender Igoh Ogbu has left camp due to injury, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Emmanuel Fernandez remain available for selection.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi is expected to anchor the midfield alongside centurion Iwobi, with Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi and highly-rated youngster Christian Akpan all competing for places.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. local time in Portugal, which is also 8:45 p.m. in Nigeria.
With Portugal seeking to fine-tune their World Cup preparations and Nigeria eager to extend an impressive unbeaten run under Chelle, the stage is set for an entertaining contest between two ambitious football nations.
