Nigeria’s Super Eagles will honour midfielder Alex Iwobi ahead of Wednesday night’s high-profile international friendly against Portugal as the Fulham star prepares to make his 100th senior appearance for the national team.
The encounter, scheduled for the Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, is expected to attract global attention with Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo also set to feature for the European giants in what promises to be a thrilling clash between two football powerhouses.
Although tagged as a friendly, the game carries huge significance for both sides.
Portugal are using the match as their final preparation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Nigeria continue to build momentum under head coach Éric Chelle.
Chelle has enjoyed an impressive run since taking charge of the Super Eagles 15 months ago.
The Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches, suffering only one defeat in regulation time during that period.
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez is equally determined to maintain his team’s strong form.
The Seleção das Quinas are unbeaten in their last four matches, recording victories over the United States and Chile while also drawing with Mexico.
Martínez has assembled a star-studded squad for the encounter, including Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, João Félix, Rafael Leão and Rúben Dias.
The Portuguese side defeated Chile 2-1 in Lisbon last weekend, with Fernandes delivering a standout performance by scoring one goal and assisting another.
Nigeria, however, will draw confidence from their recent displays. The Super Eagles defeated Zimbabwe and Jamaica in the Unity Cup before securing a 2-2 draw against Poland in Warsaw last week.
The match will also provide a special moment for Iwobi, who becomes one of the few Nigerian players to reach the century mark in international appearances.
The former Arsenal midfielder is expected to play a key role in the middle of the park alongside captain Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika.
Despite the absence of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Chelle still boasts several attacking options, including Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi and Akor Adams.
Wing-back Abdullahi Bewene could retain his place after impressing on his debut against Poland, while defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Emmanuel Fernandez are available following the injury departure of Igoh Ogbu.
Nigeria and Portugal have only met a few times at senior level.
Their most recent meeting came in November 2022 when Portugal secured a 4-0 victory in Lisbon.
Kick-off for Wednesday’s encounter is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. in both Nigeria and Portugal.
Super Eagles Squad vs Portugal
Goalkeepers
Maduka Okoye, Arthur Okonkwo, Francis Uzoho
Defenders
Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Emmanuel Fernandez, Abdullahi Bewene
Midfielders
Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi, Christian Akpan
Forwards
Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Terem Moffi, Philip Otele
