International Football
Aaron Replaces Iwobi in Super Eagles’ Squad; Ola Aina Doubtful
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
CSKA Moscow forward, Aaron Samuel has been given a late call-up to replace injured Alex Iwobi who has been ruled out of the crucial twin World Cup qualifying fixtures with Cameroon.
The 21 year old Iwobi is a nephew of former Nigerian midfielder and skipper, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha is reportedly down with a thigh muscle strain.
His replacement, Aaron is one of the seven players put on stand bye. He is not the only one getting a late call up as the Nigerian camp opens this Monday in Uyo.
He last played for Nigeria in the 2-0 win over Chad in Kaduna on June 13, 2015. Incidentally, that was also Nigeria’s last match under the late Coach Stephen Keshi.
Aaron debuted for Nigeria on October 15, 2014 in the Africa Cup of Nations match with Sudan in Abuja. It was a scoring debut for him as he scored the last goal of the 3-1 victory. He scored again in his second match, an away 2-0 defeat of Congo in Pointe Noire.
Aaron also played in the 2-2 and 1-1 draws with South Africa in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Also, defender Uche Agbo of Standard Liege in Belgium has been invited as a possible replacement for Hull City right back, Ola Aina whose clearance for international switch is still being awaited from FIFA.
The player whose full name is Temitayo Olufisayo Olaoluwa Aina was born of Nigerian parents on October 8 1996 in Southwark England but had featured for England at youth level.
He was in England’s U-16 team in the 2011/12 season with which he played six matches and moved on to play 11 times for the U-17 side in 2012/13.
Aina later played a match for England’s U-18 and 13 games for the U-19 team from 2013 to 2015. Up till last year, he was in England’s U-20 side.
However, five days after Nigeria played 1-1 with Senegal in a friendly match, Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick, met the him and Chuba Akpom of Arsenal ostensibly to persuade him on international switch. It worked. In May, Aina pledged his international future to Nigeria and reportedly obtained a Nigerian passport. There and then, the process of changing his international status began.
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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