Akor Adams scored for Nigeria, but Portugal secured a 2-1 friendly victory in Leiria.
- +Portugal Edge Super Eagles as Iwobi Marks 100th Cap
Portugal defeated Nigeria 2-1 in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night, despite a spirited performance by the Super Eagles that saw Alex Iwobi celebrate his 100th appearance for the national team.
Portugal defeated Nigeria 2-1 in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night, despite a spirited performance by the Super Eagles that saw Alex Iwobi celebrate his 100th appearance for the national team.
Before kick-off at the Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, and Nigeria Football Federation Executive Committee member, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, presented a commemorative framed jersey to Iwobi in recognition of his century of appearances for the Super Eagles.
The hosts, led by veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo, started brightly and nearly opened the scoring in the ninth minute, but Ronaldo failed to beat goalkeeper Maduka Okoye from close range.
Nigeria responded positively and created chances of their own, with Akor Adams narrowly missing the target after breaking through the Portuguese defence.
Portugal eventually took the lead in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto finished from close range after connecting with a pass from Diogo Dalot.
Okoye produced a series of important saves to keep Nigeria in the contest, denying Bruno Fernandes and later Ronaldo as the Portuguese pushed for a second goal.
The Super Eagles drew level in the 37th minute through Adams, who capitalised on a well-worked move involving Fisayo Dele-Bashiru before firing past goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Nigeria continued to show confidence after the restart, while Okoye remained busy with crucial saves to frustrate João Félix and other Portuguese attackers.
Head Coach Éric Chelle made several substitutions on the hour mark, introducing Abdullahi Bewene, Zaidu Sanusi, Terem Moffi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka as Nigeria sought to gain greater control of the contest.
However, Portugal regained the lead with 15 minutes remaining when Francisco Conceição cut inside from the right and fired beyond Okoye.
Despite late pressure from both sides, no further goals were scored as Portugal held on for victory.
The result marked only the second defeat in regulation time for Chelle since taking charge of the Super Eagles 15 months ago.
