Nuno Mendes is one of Portugal’s main attractions this Wednesday (10), at the Dr. Magalhães Pessoa Stadium, in Leiria, against Nigeria. The 23-year-old PSG left-back joined the group after the Champions League final and should start in the last friendly before the 2026 World Cup. His speed, physical strength and ability to project in attack make him a key player in Roberto Martínez’s scheme.
The clash, scheduled for 4:45 pm (Brasília time), represents the team’s farewell to European lands before the trip to North America. After a post-European title break with PSG, Nuno Mendes arrives with high morale and ready to show his rapport with the quartet of clubmates — Vitinha, João Neves and Gonçalo Ramos — who also reinforce the team.
The return of PSG players raises the level of the Portuguese squad. Martínez has options to rotate the team, but Nuno Mendes should gain precious minutes on the left flank, testing defensive and offensive combinations that will be crucial in the World Cup. At 23 years old, the young man already has international experience and is seen as one of the pillars of the defense for the tournament.
Portugal’s probable lineup
Diogo Costa; Diogo Dalot (or João Cancelo), Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, João Neves; Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto (or Gonçalo Guedes), Gonçalo Ramos (or Cristiano Ronaldo). Coach: Roberto Martínez.
Nigeria, which did not qualify for the World Cup, is taking advantage of the FIFA Data to gain pace under the command of Éric Chelle. Without Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles are betting on midfield with Wilfred Ndidi and the speed of the wings to create problems for the European favorite.
Nigeria’s probable lineup
Maduka Okoye; Abdullahi Shehu, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi; Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze. Coach: Éric Chelle.
Where to watch live
The Portugal x Nigeria friendly will be broadcast live onESPN, Disney+ e SportTVin Brazil. In Portugal, RTP1 and RTP Play show the match. ge.globo tracks all bids in real time.
Portugal arrives undefeated in a good sequence of friendlies. The record against Nigeria is largely favorable, with a 4-0 victory in the last duel. Now, the focus is on the final adjustment, with Nuno Mendes having the freedom to go forward and contribute to the creation.
Guesses and tactical context
Portugal is a big favorite and should dominate the action. Nuno Mendes will be essential to balance defense and attack on the left, offering depth and precise crosses. The creative midfield with Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and João Neves gains even more options with the full-back’s projection. Nigeria must close down and look for quick counterattacks.
Recent results (last 5 games)
Portugal:positive sequence of wins and draws, with good performance even in rotations.Nigeria:mixed results in preparatory engagements, with balance in midfield.
Leiria should receive a good crowd at the stadium with capacity for around 24 thousand fans. The weather forecast indicates ideal conditions, with temperatures between 24°C and 26°C.
