By Adegboyega Adeleye
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has described Nigeria’s international friendly against Portugal as a “massive test” as Eric Chelle’s side prepare to face Cristiano Ronaldo and one of Europe’s strongest teams on Wednesday night.
Nigeria will take on Portugal at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria in their final match of the June international window, with the Super Eagles looking to extend their recent unbeaten run.
The three-time African champions head into the game buoyed by victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica, as well as a hard-fought draw against Poland, while Portugal are using the fixture as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Ndidi said the match would provide another important opportunity to measure the team’s progress under Chelle.
“It will be a very good test for us. We faced the first test against Poland, and Portugal is a great team with great players as well,” Ndidi said.
“It will be a massive test for us as a group, to our vision, to our aim as a team, to our growth.”
The Super Eagles captain added that the team remains confident in its approach regardless of the calibre of opposition standing in front of them.
“This is football. We learn both when we win, draw, or lose. There is so much confidence in the team, with our philosophy, we believe in ourselves.
“We do not care who we are playing, even if it is the likes of the biggest countries in the world. The most important thing is us as a team, which is very important.
“And we look forward to taking our philosophy and strategy to the game.”
The fixture presents another significant examination for Chelle, whose tenure has already shown encouraging signs despite Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, as the Super Eagles are yet to lose a competitive game in regulation time during his tenure in charge of the side.
Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, boasts a squad packed with world-class talent, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes.
Nigeria will be without key forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, while Unity Cup breakout star Femi Azeez is also unavailable through injury.
However, the Super Eagles still have experienced campaigners such as Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze and Ndidi available as they seek a statement result against one of the favourites for the World Cup.
The encounter also carries added significance as Nigeria attempt to avenge their only previous meeting with Portugal, a 4-0 defeat in Lisbon in November 2022.
A positive performance against Ronaldo’s side would further underline the progress being made under Chelle and strengthen belief within the squad ahead of future Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and international assignments.
