Portugal concluded its preparations for the 2026 World Cup with a victory by 2-1 against Nigeriathis Wednesday, at the Dr. Magalhães Pessoa Stadium, in Leiria, in what was the final rehearsal of the team led by Roberto Martinez before debuting in the competition, in the United States. In a match with different rhythms, marked by several changes at half-time and some moments of lesser intensity, it was Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição scoring Portuguese goals, while Akor Adams scored the African team’s goal.
The National Team came under pressure and sought to take control of the operations early on, although without much offensive fluidity in the first minutes. After just three minutes, Cristiano Ronaldo attempted the first shot of the match, without direction, before wasting a flagrant opportunity in the eight minute, when he appeared isolated in front of the Nigerian goalkeeper, but missed the target after an assist from Nelson Semedo.
Despite Nigeria’s response, especially through quick transitions, Portugal ended up materializing territorial dominance after the 23rd minute. The move was born at the feet of Trincaowhich served Diogo Dalot on the right. The full-back returned it to the heart of the area, where Pedro Netocoolly, shot well to open the scoring and put the corner team in advantage.
The Portuguese team was close to expanding shortly afterwards, with opportunities to Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldobut the effectiveness was once again lacking. Nigeria, until then of little threat, took advantage of a rare Portuguese defensive lack of coordination to restore equality in the 37th minute. After an error in defensive construction, Dele-Bashirudiscovered Akor Adams in a privileged position and the striker did not waste Diogo Costasigning the 1-1even before the break.
In the second part, Roberto Martínez revolutionized practically the entire teampromoting nine changeskeeping only Diogo Costa and Cristiano Ronaldo in the field. The entry of players like João Felix, Francisco Conceição, Bernardo Silva and Nuno Mendes brought new offensive dynamics, although the match went through a more tepid phase, interrupted by a hydration break and several substitutions in the Nigerian formation.
Portugal once again came close to the goal through João Felixfirst with a shot saved by Okoye and then with a violent shot at the bar, in a move that left doubts as to whether the ball had completely crossed the goal line.
The Nigerian resistance would, however, end up giving way after 75 minutes. Francisco Conceiçãolaunched at half-time, started from the right to the center and scored a cross shot of high technical quality, with no chance for the opposing goalkeeper, returning the advantage to Portugal and fixing the result at 2-1.
Until the final whistle, the Portuguese team controlled the match without any major disturbances, even though Samú Costa forced the Nigerian goalkeeper into a good intervention towards the final minutes.
