The Portuguese team ended its preparation for the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria, this Wednesday (10), in a friendly held in Leiria, Portugal, a match in which Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score, despite several attempts.
Chelsea striker Pedro Neto opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a left-footed cross, but the Nigerians equalized through Akor Adams, who beat three Portuguese defenders in the 38th minute before finishing through the legs of goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Juventus forward Francisco Conceição guaranteed the Portuguese team’s victory with a left-footed cross shot 30 minutes into the second half.
Cristiano Ronaldo, five-time Ballon d’Or winner, wasted several good opportunities and was unable to dispel persistent doubts about his prospects for the World Cup, a tournament he will play at the age of 41.
Right at the beginning of the match, at 9 minutes, CR7 had a great chance to score, but shot wide after receiving a pass from Nélson Semedo. Later, the Portuguese captain headed over the crossbar and, at the start of the second half, shot wide with his left foot, despite having a clear opportunity in front of the Nigerian goalkeeper.
Portugal’s Spanish coach, Roberto Martínez, had the entire squad at his disposal, including the four players who won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain.
In their first friendly to prepare for the World Cup, Portugal defeated Chile 2-1, near Lisbon, with goals from Gonçalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes.
On Friday (12), Portugal travels to its World Cup base, located in Palm Beach, Florida.
The team’s campaign begins on June 17, in Houston, against the Democratic Republic of Congo, in group K, in which they will later face Uzbekistan and Colombia.
Nigeria is a notable absence from the 2026 World Cup, after failing to qualify in the African zone qualifiers.
