Nigeria Set to Spoil Ronaldo’s Portugal Send-Off Party in Leiria

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will attempt to ruin Portugal’s World Cup send-off party when both nations clash in a high-profile international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.

While officially labelled a friendly, the encounter carries significant weight for both teams. Portugal are using the match as their final preparation before heading to the FIFA World Cup, while Nigeria are eager to continue their impressive run under head coach Eric Chelle and make a statement against one of Europe’s football powerhouses.

Since taking charge of the Super Eagles 15 months ago, Chelle has overseen a remarkable run of results, suffering just one defeat in regulation time across 24 matches. That lone loss came in a pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly in Cairo in December 2025 when Nigeria fielded an understrength squad.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez also arrives in confident mood. The former Belgium coach has guided the Seleção das Quinas through a four-match unbeaten run that includes victories over the United States and Chile, as well as a draw against Mexico. Their last defeat came seven months ago against the Republic of Ireland.

The Portuguese squad is packed with world-class talent, headlined by five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. Martinez also has the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, João Neves, Vitinha, João Félix, Gonçalo Guedes, Rúben Dias, Diogo Dalot and Nélson Semedo available for selection.

Bruno Fernandes was particularly influential in Portugal’s recent 2-1 victory over Chile, providing an assist before scoring a spectacular goal to secure the win.

Nigeria, however, travel to Leiria with plenty of confidence after an unbeaten run in their last five matches. The Super Eagles claimed victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica in the Unity Cup before battling Poland to an entertaining 2-2 draw last week.

One of the biggest moments of the evening will come before kick-off, when Alex Iwobi is honoured for making his 100th appearance for Nigeria. The Fulham midfielder becomes one of the few players to reach the landmark and will be eager to mark the occasion with a memorable performance.

Chelle has been boosted by the arrival of Samuel Chukwueze, who missed the draw against Poland, while experienced winger Moses Simon, strikers Terem Moffi, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams and in-form Philip Otele provide plenty of attacking options.

The Nigerian coach will also be encouraged by the emergence of several younger players. Abdullahi Bewene impressed on his debut against Poland and could retain his place, while Genk midfielder Christian Akpan has caught the eye in training since joining the squad.

Nigeria will, however, be without defender Igoh Ogbu, who left camp due to injury. Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Emmanuel Fernandez are expected to provide defensive cover, while Bruno Onyemaechi and Zaidu Sanusi remain options at left wing-back.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi will join Iwobi and any of Frank Onyeka, Tochukwu Nnadi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika in the middle

The fixture will also rekindle memories of the teams’ previous meeting in November 2022, when Portugal recorded a 4-0 victory over the Super Eagles in Lisbon.

Yet this Nigerian side arrives in Portugal with renewed confidence, greater organisation and a coach who has cultivated a winning mentality within the squad. Against a Portuguese team preparing for the biggest tournament in world football, the Super Eagles have the perfect opportunity to test themselves against elite opposition.

For Ronaldo and Portugal, Wednesday’s clash is meant to be a celebratory send-off before the World Cup. For Nigeria, it is a chance to prove they belong among the world’s best and leave Leiria with another notable result.

Match Details

International Friendly

Portugal vs Nigeria

📅 Wednesday, June 10, 2026

🏟️ Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa, Leiria

⏰ 8:45pm (Nigeria Time)