The Super Eagles impress in the narrow defeat against Portugal in Leiria

The Super Eagles showed great form, confidence and a commendable fighting spirit despite losing 1-2 to FIFA World Cup-bound Portugal in an explosive friendly match in Leiria on Wednesday night.

Just before kick-off, National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and NFF Executive Committee Member Sharif Rabiu Inuwa presented a special framed jersey to midfielder Alexander Iwobi to commemorate his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles.

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest people to ever play the game, led the Seleção das Quinas onto the pitch of the Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa, but the home team and the crowd soon realized that the three-time African champions were in no mood to simply show up and be dazzled.

Ronaldo failed when only goalkeeper Maduka Okoye could beat in the 9th minute, but at the other end, Akor Adams also failed when he deflected his shot too wide to the left.

In the 23rd minute, Pedro Neto put Portugal in front when he fired a ground ball past Okoye from close range, following a pass from Diogo Dalot as das Quinas moved forward again.

Ten minutes later, Okoye spectacularly saved a strong shot from Bruno Fernandes, and just a minute later, Ronaldo narrowly missed a header from a Fernandes corner.

Nigeria continued to investigate. The fight Akor contested an aerial ball near the center circle and deflected the ball away from two Portuguese defenders, ran to his left to wait for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s shot and beat Diogo Costa to equalize for Nigeria in the 37th minute.

In the second half, Okoye made a double save from João Félix, in the 48th and 49th minutes. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, also continued his search for the goal, but failed to connect well with a cross in the 50th minute.

At the hour mark, coach Éric Chelle made several changes and brought on Abdullahi Bewene, Zaidu Sanusi, Terem Moffi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka. This seemed to rejuvenate the game for Nigeria, who once again moved forward with enthusiasm, as Ronaldo came off in the 65th minute without the goal he so desired.

With 15 minutes remaining, Francisco Çonceicao scored the winning goal for the das Quinas, finishing after a cut from the right and with Okoye with somewhat impaired vision.

Félix’s efforts to score were thwarted again in the 84th minute by Okoye, who parried another strong delivery from the striker.

The loss was only the second in regulation time for coach Chelle after leading the Super Eagles in 25 matches over the past 15 months.