The Super Eagles of Nigeria lost 2-1 to Portugal in a highly competitive international friendly in Leiria, as Francisco Conceição’s late individual brilliance secured victory for the hosts in an entertaining encounter on Wednesday night.
The Eric Chelle-led side went into the clash against the 2026 World Cup-bound Portugal team having gone 12 matches unbeaten in regulation time, a run that had boosted confidence and highlighted the team’s growing tactical stability ahead of future international assignments.
Portugal started the brighter of the two sides and took the lead in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto finished off a flowing move involving Diogo Dalot, calmly slotting into the bottom corner.
The hosts dictated possession for long spells in the first half, with Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix both coming close, but Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye produced key interventions to keep his side in the game.
Nigeria gradually grew into the contest and found rhythm in midfield through Wilfred Ndidi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Their pressure paid off in the 37th minute when Dele-Bashiru threaded a precise pass into the box for Akor Adams, who showed composure to fire a low finish beyond the goalkeeper and bring the Super Eagles level at 1-1.
Alex Iwobi marked his 100th Super Eagles appearance, reaching the milestone 10 years and 245 days after his debut, joining an elite group of Nigerian greats including Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, and Ahmed Musa.
The second half saw a flurry of substitutions from both sides, with Portugal introducing fresh attacking options while Nigeria responded with changes including Paul Onuachu, Frank Onyeka, Terem Moffi, and Zaidu in search of greater control and attacking threat.
Christian Akpan, a late addition to the squad, also made his Super Eagles debut in the game before being replaced in the 60th minute by Abdullahi Bewene.
Despite Nigeria’s improved organisation after the break and a more compact second-half shape, the decisive moment arrived in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição produced a brilliant solo run, weaving past defenders before finishing low into the corner to restore Portugal’s lead at 2-1.
Nigeria pushed forward late but could not find an equaliser as Portugal held on for a narrow win.
The result boosts Portugal’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Eagles turn their attention to upcoming Afcon qualifiers in September 2027.
Wale Adejumo
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