Friendly: Ronaldo, Fernandes Feature As Portugal Edge Out Impressive Super Eagles

Despite putting up a battling and impressive display the Super Eagles fell to a 2-1 loss to Portugal in Wednesday’s international friendly match.

Chelsea’s Pedro Neto opened the scoring for the hosts but Akor Adams equalised for the Super Eagles.

Substitute Francisco Conceicao then netted what proved to be the winner with a brilliant finish.

It is now back-to-back wins for Portugal against the Super Eagles. The first time the two teams clashed was in 2022 also in a friendly which the Portuguese won 4-0.

Before the start of the game Alex Iwobi received a frame on the pitch to mark his 100th appearances for the Super Eagles.

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez put out a very strong starting eleven with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, Diogo Dalot, Joao Neves and Vitinha.

Also Read: ‘I’m Proud’ — Iwobi Excited Ahead 100th Super Eagles Cap

For the Super Eagles, head coach Eric Chelle had Maduka Okoye in goal, debutant Christian Akpan, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi in defence.

In midfield were Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Tochukwu Nnadi while the attack had Adams, Moses Simon and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

Ronaldo had the first attempt on goal just two minutes into the game but saw shot go wide.

In the seventh minute Onyemaechi had the Super Eagles first chance just outside the box but his low shot was well saved by the Portuguese keeper.

Just two minutes later Ronaldo had the first big chance off a counter attack but failed to put the ball past Okoye despite going one on one.

Few seconds later Adams had the chance to broke the deadlock only to see his low left foot strike go just off target.

But it was Portugal who took the lead as Pedro Neto received a pass inside the box from Diogo Dalot and hit a low strike which went past Okoye.

Fernandes was close to doubling the lead on 33 minutes it saw his left foot shot palmed away for a corner kick by Okoye.

It was the turn of Trincao to go close for the hosts but his left foot effort went just over the bar.

The Super Eagles them drew level on 37 minutes thanks to Adams. He collected a pass from Dele-Bashiru, then hit a left foot shot which went under the legs of the keepe.

Before the start of the second half Portugal made several chances which saw the likes of Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Joao Cancelo and Conceicao coming on.

Just like they did in the first half, the Portuguese dominated the early parts of the second but the Suoer Eagles remained firm.

In the 49th minute Ronaldo had another big opportunity following a brilliant cross by Nuno Mendes but the former Ballon d’Or winner made a mess of his shot with Okoye to beat.

But in the hour mark Portugal almost went ahead but Ndidi made a timely interception to deny Conceicao.

Chelle then brought in fresh legs, sending on Abdullahi Bewene, Zaidu Sanusi, Terem Moffi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika.

Also Read: Why Playing Against Super Eagles Is A Big Opportunity For Portugal – Chelle

With 15 minutes left Conceicao then made it 2-1 as he drove inside the box and hit a low left foot shot which flew past Okoye.

Chelle made two more changes on 79 minutes throwing in Emmanuel Fernandez and Paul Onuachu and also in the 89th minute he introduced Philip Otele.

Felix had a chance to extend Portugal’s lead on 82 minutes but was shoved off the ball by Bewene for Okoye to come out to claim the ball.

Two minutes later Okoye made a point-blank save from a dangerous cross to keep the scoreline 2-1.

Few minutes later substitute Samuel Chukwueze raced towards goal but the retreating Portuguese defenders quickly closed him down before clearing the danger.

By James Agberebi