Portugal Defeat Nigeria Ahead of Their World Cup Journey

Portugal completed their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in a friendly match in Leiria, securing their second consecutive win before travelling to the United States for football’s biggest-ever tournament.

Pedro Neto gave the hosts the lead in the 23rd minute after capitalizing on an opportunity inside the penalty area and firing a powerful shot into the back of the net. Nigeria responded before half-time through Akor Adams, who merged his way through the Portuguese defense before equalizing in the 38th minute.

In the second half, Francisco Conceição restored Portugal’s advantage when he cut inside from the right flank and curled a precise left-footed effort into the net in the 75th minute, securing victory for Roberto Martínez’s side.

Despite the positive result, captain Cristiano Ronaldo failed to create his usual impact in front of goal, missing several promising opportunities. After a bright start, he fired wide in the ninth minute, headed over the crossbar shortly afterwards, and then failed to convert a clear one-on-one chance early in the second half.

Portugal had already won their first warm-up match by defeating Chile 2-1 thanks to goals from Gonçalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes.

The match also featured several Paris Saint-Germain players fresh from their UEFA Champions League triumph, with all of them now available for selection by head coach Roberto Martínez. Vitinha and João Neves started in midfield, while Nuno Mendes was introduced at the start of the second half. Gonçalo Ramos later replaced Ronaldo in the 65th minute.

Portugal are scheduled to travel on Friday to their World Cup base in Palm Beach, Florida. They will begin their campaign on 17 June against the Democratic Republic of Congo before facing Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K.

Meanwhile, England wrapped up their preparations with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in Orlando. Declan Rice opened the scoring in the first half, while attacking duo Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins added further goals after the break.