Portugal edge Nigeria in World Cup warm-up as Ronaldo’s record quest faces scrutiny

Portugal secured a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in a World Cup warm-up match in Leiria on Wednesday, moving one step closer to their Group K campaign. The result follows a similar 2-1 friendly win against Chile, offering manager Roberto Martinez a final opportunity to assess his squad before the tournament begins.

Pedro Neto opened the scoring for Portugal in the 23rd minute, but Nigeria responded quickly with an equaliser from Akor Adams 14 minutes later. Francisco Conceicao, one of the 11 replacements introduced at half-time, scored the winning goal in the 75th minute by cutting in from the right and curling a shot into the far corner.

Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, missed several clear-cut chances during the match, including opportunities with only the goalkeeper to beat in both halves. The five-time world player of the year failed to add to his men’s-record international haul of 143 goals before being substituted in the 65th minute. He was given more playing time than any other outfield player to start the match and will be making his record-tying sixth appearance at a World Cup.

Martinez made eight changes at the break, aiming to give as many squad members as possible playing time. The Portuguese manager’s tactical rotation reflects the depth of the squad as they prepare for their opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston, Texas, next Wednesday.

Nigeria, who failed to qualify for the World Cup, rested key players Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman following long club seasons. The Super Eagles will now shift their focus to qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Portugal’s World Cup campaign begins next Wednesday against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston, Texas, kicking off at midday local time (17:00 GMT). The team is grouped with the DRC, Uzbekistan, and Colombia in Group K.