International Football
LAMPARD THRILLED AT NIGERIA’S LOSS OF ABRAHAM AND FIKAYO
Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori’s call ups to the England national team for this months’ Euro 2020 qualifiers are a “natural progression” after their performances for Chelsea this season, manager Frank Lampard has said.
The call-ups, which will most likely lead to the fielding of the two players has ultimately, ended Nigeria’s hope of snapping the them to build a stronger Super Eagles squad.
With Chelsea operating under a FIFA-enforced transfer ban,
Lampard has had to turn to academy players, with Abraham leading the way with
seven Premier League goals in seven appearances.
Abraham will have to compete with Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Callum Wilson for a spot up front when England play the Czech Republic and Bulgaria, but Lampard expects the 22-year-old to shine on the international stage too.
“It’s well deserved, (Abraham is) scoring goals regularly,” Lampard told reporters ahead of Sunday’s trip to Southampton.
“His form is really good. Natural progression, (I’m) delighted for him. He’s a proud lad and proud to get a call up.
“He can score at international level. I don’t want to put too much pressure on his shoulders, I’m sure he has those attributes and the attitude to take that challenge of being a goal scorer for England.
“There’s competition there and when he steps into that squad he’ll see that there’s great strikers there already, so it’s a challenge for Tammy.”
Chelsea centre back Fikayo Tomori received his first call up to the England team and Lampard said he was “delighted” for the 21-year-old who has flown under the radar.
“Mason (Mount) and Tammy have taken headlines, but Tomori… to see him play the full season last year (at Derby County) and then to come here… Some people would have easily doubted him,” Lampard added.
“Another natural progression and I am really pleased, he deserves it. He has shown great qualities and he has been a dream to work with.
“Getting into the team is the next challenge, then it will be about staying in the team. (England boss) Gareth (Southgate) has shown trust, now it is in Fikayo’s hands.”
Lampard said he expected a “tough match” against Ralph Hasenhuettl’s Southampton, who sit four points behind Chelsea in the standings.
Lampard said he would take a late call on N’Golo Kante’s participation after the midfielder, who has struggled with a hamstring injury this season, played 90 minutes in Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League win at Lille.
-Reuters
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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