Portugal turned the score to 2-1 against Nigeria in the international friendly played this Wednesday (10), at the Dr. Magalhães Pessoa Stadium, in Leiria. The turning goal came in the 75th minute with a great goal from Francisco Conceição, who received it from João Cancelo, advanced dribbling down the right and shot low into the bottom left corner of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
The game, preparatory to the 2026 World Cup, had Portugal dominating possession from the start, but found it difficult to break through the organized Nigerian defense. In the 23rd minute, Pedro Neto opened the scoring after receiving it from Diogo Dalot inside the area and finishing with precision in the right corner.
Nigeria equalized in the 37th minute through Akor Adams. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru gave the striker a precise pass, who shot low into the middle of the goal and left everything the same at half-time. The move showed the Africans’ ability to counterattack quickly.
In the second half, Roberto Martínez made several changes at halftime, including the additions of João Cancelo, Bernardo Silva, Francisco Conceição, João Félix and others. Portugal increased the pace and pressed in search of the turnaround.
In the 48th minute, João Félix almost scored, but hit the crossbar. Francisco Conceição, already on the field, grew in the match and decided the duel with a great individual play in the 75th minute. The low shot, after passing through defenders, gave the goalkeeper no chance.
So far, the game continues with Portugal controlling the actions, while Nigeria tries to react with counterattacks. Substitutions on both sides, including the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, helped keep the tempo high despite the heat.
