International Football
OLYMPIC EAGLES NEED GOALS TO SURMOUNT LIBYA’S CHALLENGE
Asaba in Delta State is getting frenzy as the most challenging match of the ‘Feast of Football’ the city is hosting is drawing near.
The capital city of Delta State is hosting three international matches within three days. The first was that of last Friday when the Super Eagles beat Seychelles 3-1 to confirm the top spot of the Group E African Cup qualifiers.
While the atmosphere for that match was relaxed owing to absence of tension just as that of Tuesday could be, the Monday encounter of the Nigerian U-23 with Libya is filled with tension.
A 0-2 loss in the first leg of their second round, first leg encounter against Libya’s U23 squad means Cup holders Nigeria must achieve a high –score win over the North Africans to avoid early elimination from this year’s U23 AFCON finals, and cumulatively next year’s Olympic Games.
Africa’s three flagbearers at the Men’s Football Tournament of next year’s Olympics in Tokyo will emerge from the 3rd Africa U23 Cup of Nations in Egypt in November. Only a massive win over Libya at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Monday and success in the final round of qualifiers in three months’ time will make Nigeria eligible to defend her title in Egypt, and thus able to fight for an Olympics ticket.
One goal in each half in the Tunisian city of Ben Guerdane on Wednesday, plus a goalkeeper expelled for ball –handling outside the box, was the summary of a poor outing by the Olympic Eagles, and pride and pedigree suggest an all –out attack from the blast of the whistle would be the option for the Nigerians in Asaba.
Former U17 World Cup winners Kelechi Nwakali, Samuel Chukwueze and Taiwo Awoniyi, who were in Ben Guerdane, arrived with and have been training with the Olympic Eagles, but Nigeria have also chiseled out goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Valentine Ozornwafor and striker Victor Osimhen from the senior team to help this particular cause.
In October last year, the Super Eagles overpowered Libya’s senior team home and away to brighten chances of qualification for the 2019 AFCON (which they have since secured), and the U23 squad would be determined to wrest this encounter from the Libyans to maintain the storyline.
The Confederation of African Football has appointed Kenyan officiating officials for Monday’s game, with Anthony Ogwayo to serve as referee. Oliver Omondi Odhiambo will be assistant referee 1 and Tony Mudanyi Kidiya will serve as assistant referee 2 while Israel Lemayian Mpaima will be the fourth official.
The match commissioner is Marcelin Gaha Djiadeu from Cameroon.
Monday’s make-or-break encounter starts at 4pm.
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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