Leiria (Portugal), June 11, 2026,– Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Wednesday lost 2-1 to Portugal in an international friendly match played at the Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria.
The match also marked the 100th appearance of midfielder Alex Iwobi for the three-time African champions.
Before kick-off, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, and member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Committee, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, presented a commemorative framed jersey to Iwobi in recognition of the milestone.
Portugal opened the scoring in the 23rd minute through Pedro Neto, who finished from close range after receiving a pass from Diogo Dalot.
The hosts came close to extending their lead, but goalkeeper Maduka Okoye made a number of saves, including a stop from Bruno Fernandes in the 33rd minute.
Nigeria equalised in the 37th minute through Akor Adams.
Adams capitalised on a move initiated by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru before beating goalkeeper Diogo Costa to make it 1-1.
After the break, Okoye continued to impress, denying João Félix on several occasions as Portugal searched for a second goal.
Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle made a number of substitutions on the hour mark, introducing Abdullahi Bewene, Zaidu Sanusi, Terem Moffi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka.
The changes improved Nigeria’s attacking play, but Portugal restored their lead in the 75th minute through Francisco Conceição.
Conceição cut in from the right flank before firing past Okoye for what proved to be the winning goal.
Nigeria pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but the Portuguese held on to secure victory.
According to the NFF, the defeat was only the second suffered by Chelle in regulation time since taking charge of the Super Eagles 15 months ago.
