Portugal came out ahead of Nigeria in the international friendly played this Wednesday (10), at the Dr. Magalhães Pessoa Stadium, in Leiria. In the 23rd minute of the first half, Pedro Neto opened the scoring after an assist from Diogo Dalot.
The play started with Dalot advancing from the right and finding space behind the Nigerian defense. He cut to the middle and served Neto, who dominated and finished into the goalkeeper’s left corner, with no chance of defense. It was Neto’s first goal in four months with the Portugal shirt.
The Portuguese team controlled possession from the start and created the main chances. Cristiano Ronaldo had a clear opportunity in the ninth minute, but sent the ball wide. Bruno Fernandes also appeared in build-up plays, while Nigeria relied on counterattacks and set pieces.
Foul committed and yellow card mark busy start
In the 19th minute, Bruno Onyemaechi received a yellow card after a harsh foul. Nigeria, ranked 26th in FIFA, had difficulty playing and suffered from high Portuguese pressure.
Referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer interrupted the match for a brief refreshment and, shortly afterwards, Dalot appeared again in an advanced position, but was ruled offside in a revised play.
Preparation for the 2026 World Cup
The game is part of the final preparation of the two teams for the 2026 World Cup. Portugal, fifth in the FIFA rankings, is looking for integration with a deep squad that does not just depend on Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes. Nigeria tests its team against a European power.
Until the moment of the partial, Portugal showed technical and physical superiority, with greater volume of play. Roberto Martínez’s team put pressure on the opponent’s ball and explored the flanks with Dalot and other projected defenders.
The 1-0 score reflected dominance, but Nigeria still had time to react in the second half. The friendly serves as a laboratory for tactical adjustments before the world tournament.
