Portugal Vs Nigeria International Friendly. Updates, Team News, Predicted XI....

 The Super Eagles of Nigeria is set to face Portugal in what seems to be the first-ever international official meeting between the two countries at the senior level.

The Selecao of Portugal will begin preparations for a sixth consecutive World appearance with a friendly game against Nigeria.

Portugal have called-up a star-studded squad for the task at hand in Qatar, with skipper Cristiano Ronaldo headlining the squad once again.

Due to the extremely tough qualification campaign that African nations have to go through,  Nigeria made it all the way to the final stage of qualifying but lost to West Africa rivals Ghana on away goals after a 1-1 draw in their second leg play-off. 

Having missed out of securing a ticket for the world's biggest sporting event in Qatar, they have been used as a preparation side for World Cup teams.

Portugal will face Black Stars of Ghana in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, so therefore, coach Fernandos Santos side,  have chosen to prepare for Ghana with a friendly against their west African rivals Nigeria.

The Super Eagles are currently camped in Lisbon where they held their first training session on Monday night.

The game between Portugal and Nigeria, will take place at the 50,000 capacity Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon on Thursday. Kick off is 7.45pm Nigeria time.

According to reports, all tickets for the fixture have been sold out two days before the game.

The three-time African champions come to the game against Portugal after a 2-0 loss to Costa Rica last week. 

They had lost their previous two friendlies under new head coach Jose Peseiro against Mexico and Ecuador in May/June. In total they have won two and lost three of their five outings under Peseiro.

Peseiro has stated that he wants the best possible result for his side in the upcoming friendly against his native country, Portugal

The former Venezuela and Saudi Arabia gaffer is, however, looking forward to a more positive outing this time around.

“If we can’t win, let’s draw. If we can’t draw, let’s not lose by many. That’s the goal,” Peseiro told Lisbon-based radio station TSF

The Super Eagles started training two days ago, and coach Peseiro already has a full house for the fixture.

All the invited 23 players are present for the three-time African champions following Samuel Chukwueze’s late arrival in camp today.

Super Eagles 23 Players In Camp:

Goalkeepers Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho and Adebayo Adeleye are in Lisbon, just as defenders William Ekong, Chidozie Awaziem, Kevin Akpoguma, Calvin Bassey, Tyronne Ebuehi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ebube Duru.

In the midfield, the options are Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo.

At the fore, Peseiro will be able to pick among France -based duo of Moses Simon and Terem Moffi, Belgium-based Paul Onuachu, Emmanuel Dennis, Cyriel Dessers, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.

For the Selecao of Portugal, they would be without FV Porto goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, who is doubtful for the upcoming friendly against Nigeria.

Costa has missed La Selecao’s last two training sessions on Monday and Tuesday as a result of muscular problem.

The 21-year-old has made seven appearances for the former European champions.

Rui Patricio and Jose Sa are the two other goalkeepers in the team.

Fernandos Santos’ side will have their last training session on Wednesday (today) before the game.

The 15 minutes of the training will be open to the media.

Portugal kept three clean sheets in their six Uefa Nations League matches.

They aren’t guaranteed a spot in the last 16 of the World Cup so will want to take momentum into the tournament, especially after recent defeats to Switzerland and Spain in the Uefa Nations League.

Portugal will jet out for Qatar on Friday. They begin their World Cup campaign on the 25th of November with a Group H opener against Ghana, before facing Uruguay and South Korea in same group.

Portugal 26-man squad for the World Cup Announced Last Thursday, Nov 10:

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose SA (Wolves), Rui Patarico (Roma).  

Defenders: Joao Cancelo (Manchester City), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Pepe (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Danilo Pereira (PSG), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Nuno Mendes (psg), R. Guerrerio (Dortmund).

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Ruben Neves (Wolves), William (Real Betis), Palhinha (Fulham), Vitinha (PSG), Otavio (Porto), Matheus Nunes (Wovles), Joao Mario (Benfica).  

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Ricardo Horta (Braga), Andre Silva (RB Leipzig), Goncalo Ramos (Benfica).

Portugal form (all competitions):

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Nigeria form (all competitions):

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Portugal Predicted XI: Sa; Dalot, Silva, Pereira, Guerreiro; Palhinha, Neves, Vitinha; Leao, Otavio, Ramos

Nigeria Predicted XI: Uzoho; Awaziem, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Akpoguma; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Dennis, Onuachu

Editor's Predicted Result: 

Portugal 2-1 Nigeria.