Portugal Survive Super Eagles Challenge As Iwobi Reaches Milestone

Portugal Survive Super Eagles Challenge As Iwobi Reaches Milestone

By Niyi Busari 

 Super Eagles delivered an encouraging performance despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to FIFA World Cup-bound Portugal in an entertaining international friendly played in Leiria on Wednesday night, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Before kick-off at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa, midfielder Alex Iwobi was honoured for reaching a significant career milestone. Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, alongside Nigeria Football Federation Executive Committee member Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, presented the Fulham star with a commemorative framed jersey to mark his 100th appearance for the national team.

Led by veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal entered the match as favourites, but the hosts were quickly reminded of Nigeria's quality and determination. The Super Eagles matched their opponents for long periods and created several notable opportunities throughout the contest.

Portugal threatened early when Ronaldo found himself through on goal in the ninth minute but failed to beat goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Nigeria responded moments later, with Akor Adams narrowly missing the target after working himself into a promising position.

The breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto finished from close range after being picked out by Diogo Dalot during a swift Portuguese attack.

Portugal continued to press, but Okoye produced a superb save to deny Bruno Fernandes in the 33rd minute before Ronaldo headed narrowly wide from the resulting corner.

Nigeria's persistence paid off eight minutes before halftime. Adams won possession in an aerial challenge near midfield, continued his run into space and met a delivery from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru before firing past goalkeeper Diogo Costa to level the score at 1-1.

The Super Eagles began the second half positively, although Okoye was called into action again, making consecutive saves to deny João Félix. Ronaldo also remained a threat but was unable to find the decisive touch as Portugal searched for a second goal.

Head coach Éric Chelle introduced several changes on the hour mark, bringing on Abdullahi Bewene, Zaidu Sanusi, Terem Moffi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka. The substitutions injected fresh energy into Nigeria's play, with the visitors continuing to attack with confidence and purpose.

However, Portugal regained the lead in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição cut in from the right flank and found the net with a well-struck effort that left Okoye unsighted.

Okoye remained impressive until the final whistle, producing another excellent save to deny Félix in the closing stages and keep Nigeria within touching distance.

Despite the defeat, the Super Eagles left Leiria with plenty of positives, having demonstrated resilience, attacking intent and tactical discipline against one of Europe's strongest sides. The result also marked only the second regulation-time loss for Chelle since taking charge of the national team 15 months ago.