International Football
Eriksen Suffers Fresh Collapse During Denmark Friendly, Reviving Memories of Euro 2020 Ordeal
Denmark’s football community was left shaken once again on Sunday after midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed during an international friendly against Ukraine, five years after his dramatic cardiac arrest during the European Championship.
The 34-year-old playmaker fell to the turf 20 minutes into the second half of Denmark’s friendly match against Ukraine, prompting immediate concern among players, officials and supporters who recalled the harrowing scenes from Euro 2020.
The Danish Football Association (DBU) later reassured fans that Eriksen was conscious and in stable condition.
“Christian Eriksen is conscious and is doing well under the circumstances,” the federation said in a statement posted on the social media platform X, confirming that the match had been abandoned.
Television footage showed Eriksen clutching his chest moments before collapsing, triggering a swift response from medical personnel. As had happened during Denmark’s European Championship match against Finland in Copenhagen in 2021, players from both teams quickly formed a protective ring around him while medics attended to him on the pitch.
Eriksen was eventually able to walk unaided to an ambulance before being transported to hospital for further examination.
DBU doctor Morten Boesen said the midfielder had recovered consciousness quickly and was communicating normally.
“Christian is doing well and walked from the field himself. As I see it, the pacemaker is working as it should,” Boesen told Danish media.
“He was briefly gone, but very quickly regained consciousness, and we were quickly in contact with him. He will now be examined further in the hospital to find out what caused the incident.”
Boesen added that Eriksen had asked him to reassure teammates that he was okay.
The incident inevitably revived memories of June 12, 2021, when Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s opening match of the European Championship against Finland. On that occasion, medical staff performed life-saving CPR on the field before he was rushed to hospital.
Following the incident, Eriksen was fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD), a device designed to monitor heart rhythms and deliver corrective electrical impulses when necessary. He subsequently resumed his professional career and returned to international football, becoming an inspirational figure in the sport.
Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Højbjerg described the shock felt by players as they witnessed Sunday’s incident unfold.
“There is a throw-in, and then I go out to the side and turn around, and I see Christian on his way to the floor,” Højbjerg told Danish broadcaster TV2.
“Everyone reacted super-fast and with respect. I can only compliment the courage shown by those who took care of Christian on the field. The most important thing is that Christian is doing well.”
At the time the match was halted, Denmark were leading Ukraine 2-1. Neither nation qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After officials called off the game, players and coaching staff from both teams gathered arm in arm in a circle at midfield in a show of solidarity.
Denmark coach Brian Riemer praised the dignified response of everyone involved.
“The most important thing is that Christian is doing well, and he has sent his regards to the players,” Riemer said.
“Now it’s about us standing together, as you could see that we did in the most dignified way on the field. It is about supporting one another and ensuring that everyone has a shoulder to lean on.”
As Danish football awaits further medical updates, Sunday’s events served as a stark reminder of one of the sport’s most frightening moments and highlighted once again the unity and compassion that can emerge in times of crisis.
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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