Time and where to watch Nigeria vs Saudi Arabia

The Estadio Municipal de Portimao is set to host a gripping international friendly between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria on Friday, October 13, 2023.

The three-time African champions enter this friendly on a high note, having concluded their AFCON qualifying campaign with a resounding 6-0 victory over Sao Tome & Principe in September.

Saudi Arabia on the other hand suffered back-to-back losses to Costa Rica and South Korea during Roberto Mancini’s first international break as coach at St. James’ Park.

Roberto Mancini who was hired in August is the highest-paid coach in the world, earning 25 million euros per year.

The Green Falcons impressively defeated Argentina 2-1 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the only team to beat the world champions, but they have lost eight of nine matches since.

Saudi Arabia and Nigeria have only met once at the international level in a friendly ahead of the 2010 World Cup when they played to a goalless draw at Abuja Stadium.

However, the Arab’s last meeting with African opposition was a 1-0 loss to Morocco in December 2021 during the Arab Cup group stage.

Meanwhile, Arsenal great Nwankwo Kanu captained the Super Eagles, while the current head coach, Jose Peseiro, managed the Saudi side on the day.

In FIFA rankings, Nigeria is ranked 40th, 17 places above Saudi Arabia.

FIFA has already named Portuguese official Luis Godinho as the official referee for the international exhibition game between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

Compatriots Bruno Jesus, Tiago Costa, and Miguel Noguera will serve as Godinho’s first, second, and fourth officials, respectively.

Also nominated by FIFA were Helder Carvalho and Bruno Vieira, who will work together to manage the situation in the VAR room.

The game between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia will take place on Friday, October 13, 2023, in a stadium of about 10,000 seating capacity.

It will kick off at 5 PM Nigerian time and be available on the official YouTibe platform of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).