Portugal vs Nigeria is set to take center stage, with the two giants of two different continents looking to come out on top after 90 minutes of action.
The game will be played at The Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa in Leiria, so it is basically the Selecao’s sendforth game for the 2026 World Cup. For the Super Eagles, it is an opportunity to prove that Eric Chelle has been doing great work in his 18-month stay as coach.
Soccernet.ng reports that both teams have named strong starting XIs for the encounter. Eric Chelle is missing some of his regulars, including talisman Victor Osimhen and former CAF Player of the Year Ademola Lookman. However, there are decent replacements.
Portugal vs Nigeria: Super Eagles XI
Coach Eric Chele has decided to stick with Maduka Okoye in goal. Recall that he was brilliant last time out against Poland. They will be banking on him to deliver once more against the former champions of Europe on their home turf.
In the center of the defence, Calvin Bassey and Semi will partner, and they will be looking to prove their worth on a big night like this. They are flanked by by Bruno Onyemaechi on the left and Christian Akpan on the right.
Tonight is a big one for Akpan, as it his debut. In fact, this is a proper baptism of fire for the young Genk defender, and he will be looking to put on a show.
In the middle of the park, Chelle has started his captain and midfield stalwart Wilfred Ndidi. And he is assisted by Alex Iwobi, who is marking his 100th cap for the Super Eagles.
Marseille man Nnadi has enjoyed a lot of minutes for Nigeria in this international break, and he joins up in the middle of the park.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has been in the news recently, with reports linking him with a transfer to Manchester United. Tonight, he starts in front of the midfield. He will be tasked with setting up plays and exploiting the spaces in the final third.
Then in the attack, it is a pair of Akor Adams and Moses Simon. Adams is the point man for the day, but it is a fluid formation, so he might occasionally drop down and alternate with Simon and Dele-Bashiru.
