International Football
ROHR PUTS SUPER EAGLES PLAYERS UNDER STRICT COVID-19 RULES
According to a report by ThisDay newspaper in Nigeria, ahead of the first international match on Friday in Austria by the Nigeria national team since the pandemic era, Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Gernot Rohr, is said to have put all the players under strict Covid-19 rules.
Nigeria play against African champion, Fennes of Algeria at the Jacques Lemans Arena in Austria with no fans allowed at the arena but the team’s handlers are also playing strictly by the rules on the players.
According to the team’ Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye, “everything is going well in the camp and we are looking forward to a good game with all the players staying safe since arrival in camp.
He said that since the team’s arrival at Hotel die Zeit an der Glan in Austria, all the preparations towards the two matches have been going according to plans with all the conventional and health rules been applied on all the players.
“So far, there is no injury worry for the coach and we have been training twice on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“We are looking forward to a good game against Algeria and the players have put the loss at AFCON behind them meaning it’s not a question about revenge but preparation towards forth coming major qualifying tournaments.
“All the players are acquainted the global health challenge and because of this, coach had placed all of them under strict protocol rules with nose mask within the hotel, social distancing and regular sanitising after every outing outside of the hotel and training ground.
“Ahead of the match tomorrow, all the players will undergo mandatory Covid-19 text on Thursday which is aimed to clear all health doubt from both teams.
“The players are positive about the match and are looking forward to a favourable result that will gladden the heart of Nigerian back home and worldwide,” Ibitoye told ThisDay.
Three –time African champions Nigeria file out against the in-form Fennecs at the Jacques Lemans Arena on Friday before taking on 2004 African champions Tunisia at the same venue on Tuesday next week.
Coach Gernot Rohr is without three of his initial invitees, with Turkey –based midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo suffering a knock on Sunday, following earlier injury to Wilfred Ndidi and permission granted Italy –based forward Victor Osimhen to sit out the matches.
It is the first gathering of the Super Eagles this year, with the coronavirus pandemic shutting down football globally since the month of March, just before a quick-fire double AFCON qualifying series with Sierra Leone that will now hold in November.
Match organisers, Eurodata Sport has clarified that no fan will be allowed inside the stadium for any of the two matches, in conformity with extant protocols on the coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile, in part of their training, team’s captain, Amed Musa proved his positive postures towards Friday’s match with a brace in Tuesday’s training.
Just as new invitee, Samson Tijani was also on target haven’t played on same side with the team’s captain while Paul Onuachu scored the consolatory goal for the opposing training side.
According to Thisday newspaper, Musa’s team included Dele Alampasu, Mathew Yakubu, Kenneth Omeruo, Chidozie Awaziem, Chidera Ejuke, Samuel Chukwueze, Mikel Agu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samson Tijani, Jamilu Colins and Frank Onyeka.
The match comes up on Friday from 7:30 pm Nigerian time.
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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