Portugal internationals Rúben Dias and José Sá have stressed the importance of their side’s upcoming friendly against Nigerian Super Eagles as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Portugal will take on the Super Eagles at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria next Wednesday, in what will be the nations’ second meeting in four years.
Dias featured in the first half of Portugal’s 4-0 victory over Nigeria in November 2022, while goalkeeper Sá remained on the bench throughout the encounter.
The friendly forms part of Portugal’s final preparations ahead of their World Cup campaign, with the European giants aiming to fine-tune their tactics before their opening Group K fixture against the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Speaking to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Sá described both upcoming friendlies against Chile and Nigeria as vital tests for the squad.
“These will be two very important games against Chile and Nigeria to prepare for the World Cup. We are focused on giving our best and preparing well for the first game in the competition,” he said.
Dias, who is preparing for his third FIFA World Cup appearance, echoed his teammate’s sentiments, noting that no match at the tournament can be taken lightly.
“Yes, they will be extremely important. This is my third World Cup and I have already experienced firsthand, in different circumstances, how difficult it is to play against any team at the World Cup,” the Manchester City defender said.
“When you reach a World Cup, every opponent deserves respect, and these matches will help us prepare in the best possible way.”
Portugal have been drawn in Group K alongside the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia as they seek to mount a strong challenge for football’s biggest prize.
