International Football
I NEVER THOUGHT OF PLAYING FOR NIGERIA OR CANADA, SAYS FIKAYO TOMORI
Chelsea defender, Fikayo Tomori who is believed to be of Nigerian origin and at the same time eligible for both Canada and England has put to paid the insinuation that Nigeria was part of his plans.
According to 90min publication, the Chelsea defender said that there was never any doubt about pledging his allegiance to England, despite also being eligible to play for Nigeria and Canada.
The 21-year-old made his Three Lions debut in the 4-0 win over Kosovo on Sunday, ending any distant Nigerian and Canadian hopes of him changing his stance over his international future.
Speaking about a potential switch to Nigeria, Tomori said, as quoted by The Mirror: “Once I got the call from England last month it was pretty much finalised, it was just about making my cap.
“People still talked about the fact I hadn’t played and could still switch but it never really crossed my mind. As a little kid, you want to make your debut for England. To get into the squad was one thing but then your debut is another thing so obviously, it was a very proud moment for me.”
Tomori’s appearance means that nine out of the last 21 England debutants have been with the Chelsea academy at some stage, with teammates Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount also making their debuts in October.
After playing under Frank Lampard while on loan at Derby last season, Tomori has shone under the Chelsea legend at Stamford Bridge so far this season.
Since scoring on his full debut against Wolves, Tomori has been a key player the Blues, making 13 appearances in the Premier League andChampions League and forming a formidable pairing with Kurt Zouma at the heart of their backline.
“It’s pretty mad,” Tomori added. “If you told me 12 months ago that I’d make my England debut, I’d probably have looked at you funny because it just seemed so far away.
“I think if you asked Mason [Mount] the same question, I think he’d have been a bit, not weirded out, but a bit confused. Obviously he got called up last year but the fact he’s played now and scored a goal, whereas 12 months ago he was in the Championship – it’s a crazy journey.”
With the third international break of the season out of the way, Tomori’s focus returns to Chelsea and their crucial clash at Manchester City on Saturday, as the Blues look to cement their spot over the Pep Guardiola’s side in third.
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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