Former Nigerian international Mutiu Adepoju has disclosed that Portugal duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes will be the Super Eagles’ biggest threat in tomorrow’s international friendly game.
Roberto Martinez’s side are building towards their tournament opener against the DR Congo on June 17, but Nigeria failed to secure a position in the finals of the summer competition, having lost to the DR Congo in the CAF playoff final on penalties.
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In a chat with Completesports.com, Adepoju noted that the sheer determination and world-class quality of both players make them dangerous.
“Definitely, the duo of Ronaldo and Fernandes will be a threat. They have always been a threat to play against due to the qualities they possessed,” Adepoju told Completesports.com.
“The Super Eagles must work very hard to stop them. They are footballers like our players, so I believe Nigeria will be able to curtail them.”
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Eric Chelle’s team will enter this match off the back of a 2-2 draw with Poland, and the national side are unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions.
Nigeria have actually won nine of their last 12 matches, including two games against Zimbabwe and Jamaica at the end of May to retain the Unity Cup in London, so they will provide strong competition for Portugal ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
“Victory is always good, and if tomorrow we beat Portugal, it’s another good result for us.
“But unfortunately, Nigeria will not be going to the 2026 World Cup. But then, the team must work towards qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.” he concluded.
2 Comments
There are many threats from the star-studded Portuguese football team, including from Bruno Fernandez and others but certainly not from Cristiano Ronaldo, who is way past his sell by date.
Ronaldo has lost the legs and football energy required for football at the elite international level. Arrogance is making Ronaldo from recusing himself and giving younger Portuguese football talents the chance to shine. Coach Martinez appear scared of even benching him, not to talk about shutting him out from his squad.
It will be the toughest challenge that SE and Eric Chelle’s will be facing since he became Nigerian SE head coach and I wish him and his wards goodluck.
CR7 and Bruno are not the only threats. The Portugal team is loaded with threats.
We must pay particular attention to Vitinha in the midfield. And we have Nuno Mendes the left back and his bombing overlapping runs. Rafael Leao is also there, if he starts.
Everywhere you look in the Portugal team, you see danger.
Our attack, midfield, defense and goalie will need to perform at a very high level.
However, the key battle area will be in the middle, and Naija must fight hard to control the midfield and close lines and spaces, so the Portugal danger men have little freedom to operate. Give them time and space, and they will destroy you.