Portugal hosts Nigeria this Wednesday (10), at the Dr. Magalhães Pessoa Stadium, in Leiria, in the last match before embarking on the 2026 World Cup. The friendly match, scheduled for 4:45 pm (Brasília time), serves as the final test for Roberto Martínez to adjust the team that seeks to fight for the world title in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The Portuguese team arrives with high morale. Undefeated in a recent sequence of friendlies, the team has the return of PSG players, such as Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves and Gonçalo Ramos, who joined the group after the Champions League final. Cristiano Ronaldo should be selected again, reinforcing the attack in a moment of rotation planned by the coach.
Portugal’s probable lineup
Diogo Costa; Diogo Dalot, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, João Neves; Bernardo Silva, Gonçalo Guedes (or Pedro Neto), Gonçalo Ramos (or Cristiano Ronaldo). Coach: Roberto Martínez.
Nigeria, which did not qualify for the World Cup, uses the FIFA date to gain pace under the command of Éric Chelle. Without Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles are betting on the strength of the midfield with Wilfred Ndidi and the speed of the wings, with Moses Simon. The African team seeks to surprise one of the favorites for the trophy.
Nigeria’s probable lineup
Maduka Okoye; Abdullahi Bewene, Semi Ajayi (or Igoh Ogbu), Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi (or Zaidu Sanusi); Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi; Moses Simon, Akor Adams (or Terem Moffi), Samuel Chukwueze. Coach: Éric Chelle.
Recent history clearly favors Portugal. In the only duel between the teams, in 2022, the Europeans scored 4-0. This time, the scenario is one of different preparation: while the hosts fine-tune the final details for the World Cup, the Nigerians treat the game as an opportunity to measure their strength against a big team.
Where to watch live
The Portugal x Nigeria friendly will be broadcast on ESPN and Disney+ in Brazil. ESPN must also make the signal available on streaming. In Portugal, RTP1 and RTP Play broadcast live.
Leiria should receive a good crowd at the stadium with capacity for around 24 thousand fans. Tickets are still available on official platforms for those who want to closely follow the team’s last rehearsal before the World Cup.
Guesses and tactical context
Portugal appears as a clear favorite, but Martínez must promote rotations to test combinations. The midfield with Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and João Neves promises to create many chances. Nigeria, on the other hand, needs to be compact in defense and explore quick counterattacks, especially with the absence of its main references in attack.
Recent results (last 5 games)
Portugal:recent victories over Chile and the United States, as well as draws and triumphs in other friendlies (unbeaten in a row).Nigeria:mix of wins, draws and good results in preparatory matches, with emphasis on the balance in midfield.
Curiosities and arbitration
The game marks the end of Portugal’s European preparation phase. The stadium in Leiria has been chosen for smaller games, allowing greater proximity to the fans. The refereeing has not yet been officially confirmed, but it must follow FIFA standards for friendlies.
Weather forecast in Leiria:sunny, with temperatures around 24°C to 26°C at game time and moderate winds. Ideal conditions for the show.