International Football
The FIFA Confederations Cup in Numbers
118 – is the number of clubs from 30 different countries that are represented at Russia 2017. Bayer Leverkusen, Porto, Spartak Moscow, Sporting Lisbon and Wellington Phoenix lead the way with five players apiece.
100 – is the per cent of Russia’s players come from the country’s domestic league. Cameroon’s squad, by contrast, is comprised entirely of overseas-based players.
38 – is the number of years and four months is the age that makes Rafa Marquez the oldest player at Russia 2017. If fielded, the Mexico stalwart will become the second-oldest player in Confederations Cup history, behind Ali Boumnijel, who took to the field at the age of 39 years and two months in 2005. Marquez is also the only player at Russia 2017 who has already lifted this trophy.
36 – is the number of years and 98 days old is the age at which Anthony Hudson will become the Confederations Cup’s youngest-ever coach when he takes charge of the All Whites in their opening match. The record currently belongs to former Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu, who was 36 years and 263 days old when he managed the Super Eagles at the 1995 edition.
29 years and one month is the average age of the Chile squad, making it the oldest ever seen at a Confederations Cup. Germany have taken a different approach altogether, selecting Russia 2017’s most youthful squad with an average age of just 24 years and four months.
18 – is the number of years old Dale Ingham could become the second-youngest player ever seen at a Confederations Cup. His New Zealand team-mate at Russia 2017, Chris Wood, holds the record, having played at South Africa 2009 six months after turning 17.
7 – is the number of editions of the Confederations Cup is the milestone Mexico will reach in Russia, taking them level with Brazil’s record tally. El Tri are the only previous winners among the eight teams vying for the title this year.
4 – is the number of Confederations Cup titles (1997, 2005, 2009, 2013) have comfortably established Brazil as the tournament’s most successful team. France, winners in 2002 and 2003, are the only other team to have won the competition more than once. Brazil have also won far more Confederations Cup matches than any other team, with 23 victories putting them 14 clear of second-placed Mexico and France.
3 – is the number of European teams will compete at Russia 2017: the hosts, world champions Germany and UEFA EURO winners Portugal. This is the first Confederations Cup to involve three teams from the same confederation.
3 – of the nine Confederations Cups to date have been won by the host nation: Mexico in 1999, France in 2003 and Brazil in 2015. Can Russia make it four from ten?
0 – number of foreign coaches have led their country to glory at the Confederations Cup. Half of the men in charge at Russia 2017 – not to mention the fans of Cameroon, Chile, Mexico and New Zealand – will be hoping to see that statistic consigned to the rubbish bin on 2 July.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
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