Super Eagles lose 2-1 to Portugal

●Honour for Iwobi on his100th cap for Nigeria

Pius Ayinor

World Cup-bound Portugal beat Nigeria’s Super Eagles 2-1 in a friendly match played on Wednesday night.

The Super Eagles were looking to maintain a short spell of 12 games unbeaten run when they faced Portugal after playing a 2-2 draw with Poland one week ago.

Hosts Portugal took the lead, with Pedro Neto finding space inside the box to drill the ball home.

Nigeria were level at the break, thanks to a powerful run and finish from Akor Adams.

With the game looking to end in a stalemate, Francisco Conceicao cut in and curled in a sublime finish to win it.

The 41-year-old Ronaldo failed to add to his men’s record international haul of 143 goals despite being presented with clear-cut chances with just goalkeeper Maduka Okoye to beat in both halves in Leiria on Wednesday.

The five-time world player of the year was substituted off in the 65th minute.

Despite the setback, the game provided a memorable personal milestone for midfielder Alex Iwobi, who made his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles. He becomes only the fourth Nigerian player to reach the Century mark in international football.

Just before kick-off, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and NFF Executive Committee member Sharif Rabiu Inuwa presented a special framed shirt to midfielder Iwobi to mark the occasion of his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles.

Portugal’s next game will be their 2026 World Cup opener against DR Congo next Wednesday.

Portugal is in Group K at the World Cup with Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.