International Football
All you need to know about TP Mazembe, Bayelsa Queens’ Champions League opponents today
- The Democratic Republic of Congo champions TP Mazembe began their inaugural campaign at the 2022 CAF WCL with a 1-0 triumph over Egyptian club Wadi Degla, courtesy of a goal from Merveille Kanjinga in the 7th minute.
- TP Mazembe became the sixth team to win their debut game at the CAF WCL with their win over Wadi Degla, they joined Hasaacas Ladies, Wadi Degla, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, AS FAR and Green Buffaloes to achieve such a milestone.
- TP Mazembe became the first team from the UNIFFAC Zone to win their opening game at a CAF WCL Finals with their win over Wadi Degla in their opening game. In 2021 their representative Malabo Kings lost to Hasaacas Ladies in their first game.
- Victory for TP Mazembe could see them progress to the next stage of the competition as long as Mamelodi Sundowns do not lose against Wadi Degla, they will be assured of progress with a win for Sundowns Ladies.
- A win for TP Mazembe will be the first occasion at a CAF senior women’s tournament that a representative of the Democratic Republic would win successive games or their opening two group games, at the 2006 WAFCON the DRC did not win any of their group games (D1 L2). While at the 2012 WAFCON they won their opening game against Senegal but were then defeated by Equatorial Guinea and South Africa in their next matches.
- In their first appearance at the WAFCON in 1998 DRC defeated Egypt in their opening game but then lost their next game to Nigeria and drew their final group game with Morocco to reach the Semi-finals. Where they lost to Ghana before ending third after defeating Cameroon on penalties in the play-off for third place.
- TP Mazembe in their opening group game were able to complete 76% of their tackles, while also having a passing success rate of 68%. Achieving a higher level than their opponents Wadi Degla.
- Of TP Mazembe’s five shots on target in their opening game against Wadi Degla, three of these were taken by the games lone goal scorer Merveille Kanjinga.
- Merveille Kanjinga was also Mazembe’s most influential passer in the game completing 27 passes against Wadi Degla.
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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