Nigeria’s Super Eagles produced a spirited performance but ultimately fell to a 2-1 defeat against Portugal in an entertaining international friendly played on Wednesday night.
The three-time African champions matched the European giants for long periods and showed resilience throughout the contest, but a second-half winner from Francisco Conceicao handed the hosts victory and extended Portugal’s winning record over Nigeria.
The match also served as a special occasion for midfielder Alex Iwobi, who was honoured before kick-off for reaching the milestone of 100 appearances for the Super Eagles.
The former Arsenal and Everton star received a commemorative frame in recognition of his century of caps.
Portugal manager Roberto Martínez named a star-studded lineup featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Dias, Diogo Dalot, João Neves and Vitinha.
Nigeria coach Éric Chelle entrusted Maduka Okoye in goal, while debutant Christian Akpan lined up alongside Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi in defence. Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Tochukwu Nnadi anchored the midfield, with Akor Adams, Moses Simon and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru leading the attack.
Portugal threatened early when Ronaldo fired wide after just two minutes.
Nigeria responded in the seventh minute through Onyemaechi, whose low drive from outside the area was comfortably saved.
Moments later, Ronaldo found himself one-on-one with Okoye following a swift counterattack, but the Nigerian goalkeeper stood firm to deny the veteran forward.
The Super Eagles nearly took the lead shortly afterwards when Akor Adams connected with a promising opportunity, but his effort drifted narrowly wide.
Portugal eventually broke the deadlock midway through the first half when Pedro Neto latched onto a pass from Dalot inside the penalty area before drilling a low shot beyond Okoye.
The hosts continued to push forward and almost doubled their advantage through Fernandes, whose powerful strike was brilliantly tipped away by Okoye.
Trincao also came close but failed to hit the target.
Nigeria’s persistence paid off in the 37th minute when Adams restored parity.
The striker collected a clever pass from Dele-Bashiru and calmly slotted his effort under the advancing goalkeeper to make it 1-1.
Portugal introduced several fresh faces at halftime, including Bernardo Silva, João Félix, João Cancelo and Conceicao, and immediately increased the tempo after the restart.
Ronaldo squandered another excellent chance in the 49th minute after being picked out by Nuno Mendes, while Ndidi produced a crucial intervention around the hour mark to prevent Conceicao from restoring Portugal’s lead.
Chelle responded with a series of substitutions, introducing Abdullahi Bewene, Zaidu Sanusi, Terem Moffi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika as Nigeria sought to maintain their intensity.
However, with 15 minutes remaining, Conceicao delivered the decisive moment.
The winger drove into the penalty area and unleashed a low left-footed strike that beat Okoye and found the bottom corner.
Nigeria continued to search for an equaliser as Emmanuel Fernandez, Paul Onuachu and Philip Otele were introduced late in the contest.
Portugal remained dangerous on the counterattack, but Okoye kept his side in the game with several important saves, including a point-blank stop from close range.
At the other end, substitute Samuel Chukwueze threatened with a late run toward goal, only for Portugal’s recovering defenders to snuff out the danger.
Despite the defeat, the Super Eagles will take positives from a competitive display against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Akor Adams’ goal, Christian Akpan’s debut, and several encouraging individual performances offered signs of progress, even as Portugal secured a hard-fought victory through Conceicao’s match-winning intervention.
