Cristiano Ronaldo is set to face the Super Eagles of Nigeria for the first time in his international career when Portugal host the three-time African champions in an international friendly on Wednesday night.
The high-profile encounter serves as Portugal’s final preparation match before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Despite initially being expected to sit out the fixture, reports indicate that Ronaldo personally requested inclusion in the squad as he seeks to test himself against Nigeria’s physical style of play.
The match will be played at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, Portugal, with kick-off scheduled for 8:45 p.m. Nigerian time.
The fixture carries added significance for the 41-year-old forward. If Ronaldo chooses to retire from international football after the World Cup, the game could mark his final appearance on home soil for Portugal.
Although Ronaldo has spent 23 years with the senior national team and earned more than 200 international caps, he has never faced Nigeria at senior level.
Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in a friendly in 2022, but Ronaldo missed the encounter through illness.
Portugal head into the match with a full-strength squad selected by head coach Roberto Martínez.
The team is expected to feature Ronaldo alongside Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias and Rafael Leão.
Paris Saint-Germain duo Vitinha and Nuno Mendes have also joined the squad following their UEFA Champions League success.
For Portugal, the game represents a final dress rehearsal before they travel to their World Cup base in Florida.
A Seleção have been drawn in Group K alongside Congo DR, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
Nigeria, under head coach Éric Chelle, will use the match as another step in their rebuilding process after failing to qualify for the World Cup.
The Super Eagles arrive for the fixture after a recent 2-2 friendly draw against Poland and will be looking to measure themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides.
Midfielder Alex Iwobi is expected to make his 100th appearance for Nigeria if selected, becoming the latest player to reach the milestone for the national team.
Nigeria will be without key forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during the international window, with Terem Moffi and Akor Adams expected to lead the attack.
Wilfred Ndidi is also expected to play a key role in midfield as the Super Eagles seek a positive result against the former European champions.
More details here...
