Nigeria’s Unbeaten Run Ends After Portugal Defeat

Nigeria’s long unbeaten streak came to an end on Wednesday following a narrow 2-1 defeat to Portugal in an international friendly.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles saw their 12-match unbeaten run halted after Portugal secured a late win in a tightly contested encounter. The match remained goalless until the 74th minute when Pedro Neto put the hosts ahead, breaking Nigeria’s resistance.

The Super Eagles responded strongly and found an equaliser in the 82nd minute through Akor Adams, who finished calmly from close range after being set up by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The goal briefly shifted momentum back in Nigeria’s favour as both sides pushed for a winner.

However, Portugal regained the lead in the closing stages through Francisco Conceição. The Juventus winger produced a decisive moment, beating Zaidu Sanusi before curling a precise left-footed strike into the far corner to seal a 2-1 victory.

Despite late pressure from Nigeria, Portugal held firm to secure the result and end the Super Eagles’ impressive run, which had stretched across both competitive and friendly fixtures.

The Nigeria vs Portugal friendly also marked a significant personal achievement for Alex Iwobi, who earned his 100th international cap. The midfielder became only the fourth Nigerian player to reach the milestone, highlighting his long-standing contribution to the national team.

Portugal’s victory will serve as a confidence boost ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they are placed in Group K alongside DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.

For Nigeria, the Nigeria vs Portugal friendly offered both a setback and valuable lessons as the team continues to build towards upcoming international competitions. The Nigeria vs Portugal friendly underlined their resilience despite the defeat, with encouraging signs from key performances across the squad.

Should Nigeria be encouraged by their performance despite the defeat, or concerned about late-game defensive lapses?