Who: Portugal vs NigeriaContent: 2026 World Cup warm-upLocation: Estadio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa (Leiria, Portugal)Date and time: Wednesday 9th June, 8:45pm (21:45 GMT)How to follow: All content will be broadcast on Al Jazeera Sports from 18:45 pm Japan time, ahead of a live text commentary stream.
Portugal will conclude their preparations for the 2026 World Cup with a friendly against Nigeria on Wednesday night before flying to North America and settling in at their base camp in Florida, USA.
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Roberto Martínez’s team is one of the favorites to win the World Cup and boasts a talented football squad that includes star players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva.
After Saturday’s victory over Chile in another friendly in Oeiras, they will be desperate for a win in their final warm-up match of the World Cup.
Portugal won the match 2-1 with goals from Gonzalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes. However, the match was intense and Portugal’s Rafael Leao was sent off for punching a Chilean player, reducing both teams to 10 men.
Nigeria will not be playing in this summer’s World Cup, but the Super Eagles are unbeaten in their last six matches and will be a tough test for their opponents.
Will Ronaldo play against Nigeria?
The 41-year-old played the first half against Chile on Saturday and was substituted at half-time.
The veteran forward was included in the squad for the game against Nigeria and could well earn more minutes as he continues to prepare for what will undoubtedly be his last World Cup.
Ronaldo had a fantastic international career with Portugal, scoring 143 goals in 227 appearances and winning the European Championship in 2016.
Will Osimhen and Lookman play for Nigeria?
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are absent from the Nigeria squad.
Both players were scheduled to play in friendlies against Poland and Portugal at the end of the season, but were rested. Atletico Madrid are demanding this from Lookman after a busy season.
It was also felt that Mr Osimhen’s workload should be protected.
When will Portugal start the World Cup?
Portugal begin their tour next Wednesday, playing against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Houston, Texas, USA. The match will kick off at noon local time (17:00 GMT).
They return to the same venue six days later to take on Uzbekistan on June 23, before wrapping up Group K with a much-awaited match against Colombia on June 27 in Miami.
Coach Roberto Martínez has chosen Florida for the Portugal national team’s camp, with the team based in Palm Beach Gardens.
Why is Nigeria not participating in the World Cup?
The Super Eagles have missed out on the World Cup for the second year in a row after a turbulent qualifying campaign that included two changes in manager.
Despite a team featuring the likes of Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman, Nigeria drew 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African Playoffs final, losing on penalties.
Nigeria’s disjointed qualifying campaign was led by three different managers at different stages: Jose Peceiro, Finidi George and Eric Schell.
Ahead of the play-off semi-final against Gabon, a rebellion erupted in Nigeria, with players and staff boycotting training over a dispute over unpaid allowances and bonuses.
Although the issue was eventually resolved, it became emblematic of a tumultuous period in Nigerian football.
What’s next for Nigeria?
The Super Eagles will soon turn their focus to qualifying for the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Eric Schell is in good form, finishing third in the most recent African Cup of Nations, and will be hoping for a smoother qualification pass compared to his efforts to qualify for the World Cup.
Nigeria have had some good results in recent months, including draws against Poland and Jordan and a win against Iran.
What happened the last time the teams played?
These teams have only met once before, with one more World Cup warm-up match in November 2022 ahead of the Qatar tournament.
Bruno Fernandes scored twice in the first half, and late goals from Gonzalo Ramos and Joao Mario led Portugal to a 4-0 victory in Lisbon.
Portugal national team news
Paris Saint-Germain’s Portugal international has joined the team after taking a break after defeating Arsenal in the Champions League final.
Vicinha, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Gonzalo Ramos are all in training and could be lined up for the game against Nigeria.
Despite being sent off against Chile, Rafael Leao will be available for Wednesday’s game.
Expected starting lineup:
Diogo Costa (goalkeeper); Diogo Dalot, Ruben Diaz, Gonzalo Inacio, Nuno Mendes. Vicinha, Bruno Fernandes, João Neves. Bernardo Silva, Gonzalo Guedes, Pedro Neto
Nigeria national team news
In addition to Osimhen and Lookman, Samson Tijani and Alhassan Yusuf are also absent from Nigeria’s squad due to visa issues.
Terem Mofi and Akolu Adams are expected to start up front, having played the same role in Nigeria’s recent friendly against Poland.
Expected starting lineup:
Maduka Okoye (goalkeeper); Abdullahi Bewene, Igo Ogbu, Emmanuel Fernandes, Bruno Onyemaechi, Moses Simon, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Tochukwu Nnadi. Akol Adams, Terem Moffi
Portugal national team list
Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva, Ricardo Velho
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunez, Nelson Semedo, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Gonzalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Rubén Díaz, Tomas Araujo.
Midfielders: Ruben Neves, Samuel Costa, Joao Neves, Vicinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva
Forwards: Joao Felix, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceição, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao, Gonzalo Guedes, Gonzalo Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo
Nigeria national team list
Goalkeeper: Maduka Okoye; Francis Uzoho. Arthur Okonkwo
Defender: Bruno Onyemaech. Zaidu Sanusi. A cheerful Osai-Samuel. Calvin Chinedu Bassey; Oluwasemilogo Ajayi; Emmanuel Oluwasegun Fernandes. Igo Ogbu
Midfielder: Alexander Chuka Iwobi. Frank Ogochukwu Onyeka. Wilfred Ndidi. Fisayo dele Basil. Rafael Onyedika. Tochukwu Nnadi. Alhassan Yusuf
Forward: Ademola Lookman. Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze. Moses Simon. Owen Oseni. Paul Onuachu. Eiko Adams; Victor Osimhen. Terem Moffi
