International Football
EXCITEMENT BUILDS IN SINGAPORE AHEAD OF NIGERIA’S CLASH WITH BRAZIL
With the clock ticking down to Sunday October 13 when Nigeria and Brazil clash in what is their second ever confrontation, excitement is already building up in the island city-state of Singapore, the venue for the epic clash.
The islanders have had a taste of Brazil five years ago. Sports Village Square gathered from the leading publication in Singapore, The Strait Times that a sellout crowd of 51,577 turned out at the National Stadium to catch Neymar’s dazzling tricks and flicks, as the superstar forward scored all four goals in the five-time world champions’ 4-0 friendly win over Japan.
The Singaporeans are expecting an encore as the four-time World Cup winners take on two African countries – Senegal and Nigeria.
According to the publication, fans will be able to catch Neymar and Co’s brand of samba football again.
Also, according to The Straits Times, being anticipated to be in action, are Nigeria’s duo of Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi and Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi.
Brazil, ranked second in the FIFA world rankings, will play Senegal (world No. 20) on Thursday October 10, before taking on three-time Africa Cup of Nations winner Nigeria (33) three days later.
It will be the first time Nigeria and Senegal will play in Singapore.
Brazil’s national team coordinator Juninho Paulista told the Brazilian Football Confederation website:
“We chose two of the best African teams because they are high-level confrontations and the Brazilian national team has had few encounters (with them) in recent years.”
Singapore Sports Hub chairman Bryn Jones said: “We are thrilled to host two matches of such international stature at our iconic National Stadium.
“This Brazil versus Senegal and Nigeria will be a treat for all football fans to catch some of the world’s most skilful players in action.”
Last month, The Straits Times reported that discussions were under way for Brazil to play Asean powerhouse Thailand here on Oct 11, but the deal eventually fell through.
But the Brazilians will be heading for Singapore after all, this time against two of Africa’s best sides.
Brazil’s first clash against Senegal may see Brazil’s Roberto Firmino and Fabinho come up against their Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane, with Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly possibly also in action for Senegal.
The Singapore national team will not be involved due to World Cup qualifiers during that period, as the Lions travel to face Saudi Arabia on Oct 10 before hosting Uzbekistan at the National Stadium five days later.
Brazil fan Loh Zhang Yuan is relishing the return of the Selecao. The 21-year-old was at the 2014 game and has fond memories of watching his football idol Kaka in action.
He said: “There isn’t really a more iconic symbol of international football than the Brazil national team. They may not be as strong as a couple of decades ago but the flair of their team is always unique. To see them again live would be very special.”
National footballer and Warriors FC winger Gabriel Quak added: “It’s good for fans to have these international teams that are well-supported with superstars come here. Fans can see samba football and also the power and pace of African football.”
Former national swimmer and mixed martial arts exponent May Ooi may not be the biggest football fan, but she loves the Brazilians’ flamboyant playing style. She added that stars like Neymar will “leave a long lasting impression on a child” and would encourage them to stay in the sport.
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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