Portugal edged Nigeria 2-1 in an entertaining international friendly on Wednesday night, with a late goal from Francisco Conceição denying the Super Eagles a deserved draw.
The match served as part of both teams’ preparations for upcoming international competitions, with Nigeria hoping to build on the confidence gained from their impressive 2-2 draw against Poland a week earlier.
The Portuguese side, led by veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo, started brightly and took the lead midway through the first half.
Pedro Neto capitalized on space inside the Nigerian penalty area before firing a low shot beyond the goalkeeper to put the former European champions ahead.
Despite falling behind, the Super Eagles responded positively and gradually grew into the contest. Their efforts were rewarded before halftime when striker Akor Adams produced a powerful solo run, shrugging off defenders before finishing clinically to restore parity.
The second half saw both teams create chances in an evenly balanced encounter, with Nigeria showing resilience against one of Europe’s strongest sides. The Super Eagles appeared on course to secure another credible result against top-level opposition as the game entered its closing stages.
However, Portugal snatched victory late on through Conceição, who cut inside from the flank and curled a superb effort into the net, leaving the Nigerian goalkeeper with no chance and sealing a 2-1 win for the hosts.
While the result ended Nigeria’s hopes of recording a notable upset, the performance offered several positives for the Super Eagles, who matched Portugal for long periods and demonstrated attacking intent throughout the contest.
Portugal will now turn their attention to their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against DR Congo next Wednesday, while Nigeria will take encouragement from another competitive display against elite opposition.
