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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.
Ronaldo and Fernandes In The Spotlight
Ronaldo and Fernandes remain the dynamic focal points of Portuguese football, continuing to deliver spectacular numbers for both club and country. As the key playmaking and goalscoring duo, they shoulder massive expectations heading into major international tournaments.
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.”
Eagles’ Absence From 2026 World Cup
The Super Eagles have been regulars in the World Cup since 1994, featuring in six of the last eight tournaments, making the round of 16 twice during that period.
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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.
8 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.
Pompei, Rafael got a red card against Chile. I was happy about it lol. One threat less for Eagles.
Oh, ok. Thanks for the update.
We lost embarrassingly last time to Portugal because we had a defensive minded coach,who approached Portugal with a system that made us vulnerable and destined to lose by a large margin,against a side brimming with quality!
This time around,we’re playing them with a technically sound coach,who knows his onions,and who knows how to play against a top quality side.
However,should we lose today,it won’t be a large margin and we won’t bow out easy.Hopefully,we play with a proactive and positive mindset,we take the game to Portugal by pressing high up the pitch,while maintaining a high tempo from the very blast of the whistle,we’ll fight hard to maintain our dignity,unlike 2022,hopefully,put up a strong performance until the very end.
Meanwhile,dangerous Portuguese players to look out for,are Cancelo,Bruno Fernandez,Joao Felix and Bernando Silva..Certainly,It will be a very difficult match for the super eagles.Playing against the top 20 teams in FIFA ranking will always be an arduous task.
To get a good result,we must build a collective mindset that is positive and unwavering.The belief that we can compete and win is not irrational-it’s essential!When we win possession we must be clinical.Our midfield must be compact also ready to support the attack,our forward needs to be intelligent with their movement to hold up the ball or run into channels.Transition from defence to attack must be quickly to exploit open space before they can reorganise.
Preparing for a high-intensity match against a top team requires mental fortitude,our team chemistry must be at the peak.
A draw away to Portugal,is a huge result.A win will be a surprise,I will be stunned should that happen.A lose all depends hoping it won’t be heavy..End of the day,it’s what it’s.
Good-luck super eagles!!
Chile beat DRC 2-1 yesterday. I was shocked. I thought Congo DR don’t lose.
It’s not out of place for Chile to own DR Congo.Chile has one of the richest and storied football traditions in South America.Finished 3rd place in the 1962 world cup,incidentally,they were the host.
Though ranked 51 to Congo’s 46,but you can’t rule out pedigree in football.Chilean football has experienced a steep decline over the past decade,they have missed three consecutive world cups,star players Aturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez who helped them to win back to back Copa America title are well past their prime.
Having said that,Chile still remain a good side just like Nigeria,both teams are working hard to put the pieces together to become the feared side they once were.
I’m betting on Chelle to keep his unbeaten run witht he SE. 12 matches so far, not lost in open play.