International Football
FEAR OF POSSIBLE LOW ATTENDANCE GRIPS ORGANISERS OF BRAZIL-NIGERIA MATCH
The Brazil Global Tour in which two matches are slated took off Thursday in a half-empty stadium as Senegal battled Brazil to a 1-1 draw at the National Stadium in the island-city state of Singapore.
Only 20,621 fans attended the match at a stadium that could hold 51,577.
According to local newspaper, The Straits Times, the occasionally boisterous crowd cheered on Neymar and Co. in the 1-1 draw, as well as the two young pitch invaders before the start of the second half, there were swathes of empty seats and sections in the 55,000-seater National Stadium, with the two upper decks left unoccupied.
The 36-year-old Brazil fan said he is still considering whether to buy tickets to the Sunday game between Brazil and Nigeria, adding that he had bought yesterday’s ticket at a discount.
Fans who the newspaper spoke to said they were surprised by the lacklustre turnout for the first clash between the two countries, which featured stars such as Neymar, Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane.
Sam Barthi, who was at the stadium with a group of friends, attributed this to the match being held on a weekday.
The 36-year-old Brazil fan said he is still considering whether to buy tickets to the Sunday game between Brazil and Nigeria, adding that he had bought yesterday’s ticket at a discount.
He said: “I thought I would see more people… It’s a working day and a friendly match, so maybe the crowd will be better on Sunday. Cost could be an issue, but I bought mine at $53.50 as I saw it was 50 per cent off yesterday.”
Tickets for Thursday’s game cost between $49 (standard) and $299.
In comparison, the International Champions Cup in July – which featured English Premier League clubs Manchester United and Tottenham, Juventus and Inter Milan – cost fans between $38 (single match tickets) and $418. The Brazil Global Tour will also see the Selecao taking on Nigeria on Sunday.
Diehard Brazil fan, Shashi Krishnan, 42, said it was “really expensive” spending over $300 for both matches. He bought a single ticket for yesterday, and five – for himself, his wife and three children – for Sunday to “save on costs”.
“I didn’t manage to catch them last time they came because I was in Hong Kong for work,” he said.
“I’m very surprised at this turnout but maybe everyone is at work. But I also feel that Singapore has lost its sports soul and there is no sports culture here.”
Decked out in a Brazil jersey and green-and-gold hat, Brazilian Andrea Fuchsloch, 36, attended the game with a group of 20 adults and children.
“Back in Brazil the stadium will definitely be full when they play because we are a soccer nation. But we have a lot of Brazilian fans here so we’re having fun,” she said.
Brazil legend Juninho Paulista, head of technical development at the Brazilian Football Confederation and national team coordinator, said: “Yes, it is disappointing because we always want to play in front of many fans. We have good teams here and we hope there will be more fans coming for Sunday.”
Despite the poor turnout, Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly was not fazed by the lack of supporters. He said: “Fans support many different teams and it is okay. We were concentrating on the game and not thinking about how many people there were in the crowd.
“We are happy to be here to discover your nice city.”
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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