International Football
LOW ATTENDANCE AT BRAZIL’S 1-1 DRAW WITH SENEGAL
Five-time world champions Brazil fielded a much stronger team than their last visit to the Republic, but produced a less sterling performance than five years ago, as the world No. 3 were held 1-1 by world no. 20 Senegal at the National Stadium on Thursday
Golden boy Neymar collected his 100th cap for the Selecao, and
took only two minutes to complain of an innocuous knock. The flashy backheels,
chops, and sombreros followed, but the elusive goal didn’t come.
This was largely the script that played out in a strangely muted atmosphere at the Sports Hub, compared to the last time Brazil played here, when Neymar scored all the goals in a 4-0 win over Japan in front of a 51,577-strong crowd at the same venue.
Even as the second and third tiers of the arena were completely empty – the official attendance was 20,621 – the sound system was not as bright as usual, as the national anthems and half-time fan interviews were barely audible.
Tite tried his best to lift spirits when he sent out his strongest first XI, identical to the one that drew 2-2 with Colombia in the United States last month.
Only Neymar remained from the 2014 starting line-up as he linked with fellow fan favourites Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus up front in a 4-3-3 formation, with Casemiro, Arthur Melo and Philippe Coutinho making it a star-studded midfield.
There were also plenty of familiar names in the Selecao defence with evergreen skipper Dani Alves, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva and Alex Sandro protecting goalkeeper Ederson.
It took them just nine minutes to make a breakthrough when Jesus set Firmino free from the right, and the Liverpool forward clinically dinked past Alfred Gomis for the lead.
But the avalanche of goals failed to materialise as Senegal displayed good tactical awareness and positioning to supplement their physical advantage and negate the South Amercians’ fluid passing and movement.
After a minute-long water break in the 27th minute, the Africans’ tenacity and patience paid off when their main man Sadio Mane charged into the box between two defenders and was bundled over by Marquinhos as referee Muhammad Taqi pointed to the spot in the 45th minute.
Despite pleas for Mane to take the spot-kick, it was Famara Diedhiou who calmly slotted into Ederson’s bottom right corner for the equaliser.
There was still time for Neymar to squander a one-on-one opportunity when he shot straight at Gomis after being put through by Firmino before both sides went into the break on level terms.
For all his showboating, Neymar was arguably most productive when he allowed two young pitch invaders to take a wefie with him. The 27-year-old looked on in disbelief when his 69th-minute free-kick was whipped just over.
With Tite and his opposite number Aliou Cisse frantically pacing their respective technical areas and gesticulating throughout the match, and both sets of players remonstrating with Taqi over his decisions, one got the sense that both teams took this friendly seriously, as Neymar and Mane stayed on the pitch for the full match.
Mane almost broke the deadlock when his angled shot cannoned off the post in the 85th minute, while Neymar burst down the other end two minutes later only to see his effort blocked by Salif Sane.
Neymar then had a 90th-minute free-kick well held by Gomis as Senegal held firm for a draw that should please only the underdogs with ambitions of breaking the established world order
- The Straits Times
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Côte d’Ivoire End Ecuador’s Record Unbeaten Run
Amad’s Late Strike Gives Côte d’Ivoire Dramatic Victory Over Ecuador
Iran Arrive in Los Angeles for Historic and Highly Charged World Cup Opener
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- World Cup1 week ago
FIFA bans vuvuzelas from World Cup stadiums
- World Cup1 week ago
Shakira to Headline FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony in Mexico
- International Football1 week ago
Eriksen Suffers Fresh Collapse During Denmark Friendly, Reviving Memories of Euro 2020 Ordeal
- World Cup1 week ago
Pelé’s 1970 World Cup Hideaway Becomes Tourist Attraction as Mexico Hosts Tournament for Record Third Time
- Uncategorized1 week ago
Iran World Cup squad still in visa limbo 10 days before first match, ambassador says
- World Cup1 week ago
Strike Threat Looms Over USA-Paraguay World Cup Match at SoFi Stadium
- World Cup1 week ago
Iran’s World Cup team arrive in Tijuana with US tensions high
- International Football6 days ago
Iwobi Salutes Nigerians Ahead of Landmark 100th Super Eagles Appearance