International Football
Portugal stun Cameroon in stoppage time to secure Women’s World Cup ticket
A 94th-minute winner has sent Portugal to their first FIFA Women’s World Cup after a dramatic Play-off Tournament final with Cameroon in Hamilton.
Diana Silva scored a 94th-minute winner as Portugal saw off Cameroon in the Play-off Tournament final to qualify for their first FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Francisco Neto’s side were deserving, dominant winners at Hamilton’s Waikato Stadium, with the Indomitable Lionesses – last-16 participants at the last two global finals – ultimately fortunate not to lose by a heavier margin.
Cameroon started the match with a 16-year-old-keeper, their first choice Ange Bawou having been sent off against Thailand, and Portugal – perhaps unsurprisingly – made an immediate point of peppering Cathy Biya’s goal.
Jessica Silva tested the youngster inside two minutes with a dangerous cross-cum-shot and, from the resultant corner, Kika Nazareth headed against the post.
Kika, still just 20 herself, is one of Portuguese football’s most exciting talents and she was the inspiration behind the team’s opening goal.
Taking control of a free-kick wide on the left flank, she caught out the Cameroon defence by going directly for goal with a powerful, swerving shot.
The ball rebounded back off the right-hand post but defender Diana Gomes was in the right place at the right time to pick up the rebound and slot gleefully home.
Cameroon offered little at the other end but the dangerous Ajara Nchout threatened occasionally on the break, producing one effort of note that Patricia Morais did well to parry to safety.
Portugal continued to dominate possession and create the better chances, though, and Diana Silva went close to doubling their lead early in the second half with an acrobatic, if wayward, volley.
Jessica had set up that chance from the right flank and this elusive winger proved equally effective after switching to the left, leaving her marker for dead on one occasion to tee up Kika for a header that flashed wide when it seemed easier to score.
In between times, Andreia Norton had gone closer still with a superb 35-yard strike that left the crossbar shuddering.
Despite their dominance, every missed chance increased Portuguese fears of being caught by a Cameroonian sucker-punch. And with good reason.
Their warning came when Michaela Abam raced through to score on 85 minutes only to find that, in making her run, she had strayed narrowly offside.
But it was not heeded, and when Portugal afforded Nchout too much time at the edge of the area, she punished them with a powerful low left-foot finish into the bottom-right corner.
Eighty-nine minutes had already been played at this stage and extra time looked to be beckoning. But when an Estelle Johnson handball was spotted following a VAR check, it handed the Europeans a golden opportunity to reclaim the lead and secure their World Cup spot.
Costa stepped up to take on this awesome responsibility and kept her cool admirably, side-footing low and hard beyond Biya to spark wild Portuguese celebrations.
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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