International Football
Turmoil in Cape Verde team !
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Ahead of a potentially explosive World Cup qualifying match with Nigeria, there is already confusion in the Cape Verdean camp as a key striker, Ricardo Gomes has annoyingly left the camp on the eve of the match with Nigeria.
His action has left the Cape Verde camp in turmoil with the head coach, Pedro ‘Bubista’ Brito boiling that that the striker’s decision on the eve of Nigeria’s match is “disrespectful to the Cape Verdean nation”.
The player, Sports Village Square gathered from local publication, A Nação, remarked on social networks that the reasons that led him to take that attitude was that “it was clear that my help at the moment is unnecessary”.
But the coach saw it differently remarking that: “It was a total disrespect for the technical team, the doctor, the colleagues and the country itself,” Bubista told Radio Carbo Verde.
The player player who features for Serbian side, Partizan Belgrade (Serbia) suddenly parked out of the team’s hotel.
In a statement, the Cape Verdean Football Federation indicated that the referred footballer, after his integration in the national team stage, in Douala (Cameroon), informed the medical team and the technical team that he was injured, having undergone conditioning training, in the only training he was present before the first game.
Likewise, Ricardo Gomes, said the same source, informed the medical and technical staff that he would not be in physical condition to participate in the match, not even to be included in the match sheet as a substitute for the match with the Central African Republic , of the 1st of September.
The FCF explained that already in São Vicente, in training on Saturday (4), during the second training session of the Tubarões Azuis, in Mindelo, given that the player would still be recovering from his injury, the technical department and the medical department understood that there should be a gradual integration of the player, in the training sessions, with the one on Saturday having a component of rotating participation of the 26 players called up.
On that same day, explained the FCF, Ricardo Gomes decided to leave the hotel where the internship of Tubarões Azuis is taking place.
Ricardo Gomes on social media
“(…) For those who know Serbia’s trips to Cape Verde or another African country where our team plays have a long duration (…), however, during these years I have always honored the calls, even in situations where professionally it would be advisable to refuse or temporarily abdicate from our selection, putting our selection above my personal and professional ambitions (…)”.
However, continues the player, “(…) today (04.09.2021) after the collective training for the match against the Nigerian national team, it was clear that my help at the moment is unnecessary, since, despite the long journey made since Serbia, it was clear that for the technical team I do not count for the first or second team”.
“It should be noted that in the aforementioned training, two teams were made and I was left out of the two. Now, taking into account my age and all the constraints with traveling to represent our team, I understand that not being part of the choice of our team’s technical team, it makes no sense to continue to be part of our team (…) ”.
But on Radio Cape Verde, the national coach said he has nothing against the striker, nor with any other player and that when a player leaves a team it is for “lack of team spirit and commitment”.
The FCF has already said goodbye to the footballer with a desire for “good luck” in his professional and personal journey.
Ricardo Gomes, 29, has been used in 16 games and scored four goals for the Cape Verde national team.
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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