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Match preview for Portugal vs Nigeria
Portugal complete their preparations for the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday when they take on Nigeria in an international friendly, with Roberto Martinez hoping to see his side build further momentum before their tournament opener against DR Congo.
The Selecao head into the World Cup as one of the leading contenders for the trophy, boasting a squad packed with elite talent and experience.
There is also the added storyline of Cristiano Ronaldo potentially making his final appearance at football’s biggest tournament, with the veteran forward still chasing the one major honour missing from his trophy cabinet.
Portugal warmed up for this encounter with a 2-1 win over Chile on Saturday, courtesy of goals from Goncalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes.
Martinez’s side have been handed a favourable-looking World Cup group featuring DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia, and expectations are high that they will progress comfortably into the knockout stages.
Nigeria, meanwhile, will not be appearing at the World Cup after suffering a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the CAF playoff final.
Despite that disappointment, Eric Chelle’s side have continued to perform strongly in recent months. A 2-2 draw against Poland last time out extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run to six matches, while they have won nine of their previous 12 fixtures in all competitions.
Team news for Portugal vs Nigeria
Portugal have been boosted by the arrivals of Paris Saint-Germain quartet Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Joao Neves and Goncalo Ramos following their involvement in the Champions League final.
All four are expected to feature, with Mendes, Vitinha and Neves particularly strong candidates to start after playing key roles in PSG’s European success.
Martinez is likely to rotate heavily from the side that defeated Chile, with Diogo Costa expected to return in goal alongside potential recalls for Diogo Dalot, Goncalo Inacio, Pedro Neto and Goncalo Guedes.
Cristiano Ronaldo could be rested after featuring in the first half against Chile, while Rafael Leao is available despite being sent off in that friendly.
Nigeria are without several star names, including Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, both of whom have been left out of the squad.
Expected line-ups for Portugal vs Nigeria
Portugal: Diego Costa; Dalot, Dias, Inácio, Mendes; Vitinha, Fernandes, Joao Neves; Bernardo Silva, Guedes, Pedro Neto
Nigeria: Large; Bewene, Ogbu, Fernandez, Onyemaechi; Simon, Onyeka, Ndidi, Nnadi; Adams, Moffi
Where to watch Portugal vs Nigeria: TV channel, online live stream
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 BST on Wednesday, June 10.
Broadcast coverage be available on Amazon Prime Video for viewers in the UK.
Stats for Portugal vs Nigeria
- Portugal are unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions.
- The Selecao have won four of their previous six fixtures.
- Portugal defeated Chile 2-1 in their last outing.
- Portugal and Nigeria have met only once before, with Portugal winning 4-0 in November 2022.
- Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for what is expected to be his final World Cup tournament.
- Nigeria are unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions.
- The Super Eagles have won nine of their previous 12 fixtures.
- Nigeria retained the Unity Cup after victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica.
- Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing on penalties to DR Congo in the CAF playoff final.
- The Super Eagles have appeared at six of the last eight World Cup tournaments.
Prediction for Portugal vs Nigeria
Nigeria have enough quality and organisation to make life difficult for Portugal, particularly given their strong recent form.
However, Portugal’s depth, technical quality and attacking options should ultimately mean the Selecao head into the World Cup with another win under their belt.
Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Nigeria
