Portugal 2–1 Nigeria: Adams’ goal fails as Conceição’s late strike secures victory for the Selecão.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria lost a friendly to Portugal 2‑1 on Wednesday, according to Afrik‑Foot.

In a return match at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa, Nigeria faced a strong European side in a high‑profile World Cup warm‑up. The stadium was full, serving as a send‑off for the Seleção before their upcoming tournament.

As expected, the three‑time African champions entered the game as underdogs, a quality gap evident from the start. Portugal controlled the early play and quickly created the first clear chance. Cristiano Ronaldo, catching a precise cross from Nélson Semedo, burst forward with only Maduka Okoye to beat, but his low shot drifted wide of the post.

Nigeria answered two minutes later with a sharp counter‑attack. Akor Adams received the ball in midfield, drove into the box, dropped his shoulder to create space, and unleashed a tricky low effort that narrowly missed.

Portugal broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute through Pedro Neto. After a long ball into the path of Diogo Dalot, who capitalised on a botched clearance by Christian Akpan, Dalot laid the ball to an unmarked Neto. Semi Ajayi failed to close down the Chelsea player quickly enough, allowing Neto to curl a low strike past Okoye and into the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Despite Portugal’s continued dominance, the match remained open. The Portuguese fullbacks pushed high, leaving space for Nigeria to exploit on the break.

In the 33rd minute, Portugal nearly doubled their lead when Bruno Fernandes rifled a powerful shot off a corner rebound, but Okoye produced a sensational save to keep the scoreline intact.

Four minutes later, Nigeria punished Portugal’s high defensive line. Adams latched onto a long ball, muscled past Rúben Dias, and combined with Fisayo Dele‑Bashiru. Despite tight marking, Adams unleashed a strike from inside the box that nutmegged Diogo Costa to level the score. Nigeria weathered the remainder of the pressure to go into halftime tied 1‑1.

After the break, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez made seven substitutions. While this preserved their dominance, it disrupted their fluidity.

The hosts nearly regained the lead in the 48th minute when substitute João Félix fired a fierce strike from outside the area. Okoye tipped the ball onto the crossbar, and it ricocheted off the goal line back into play.

After that scare, the Seleção created a few half‑chances but struggled to find the clinical edge. They restored their lead in the 75th minute courtesy of Francisco Conceição. Receiving the ball on the right flank, he capitalised on Zaidu Sanusi’s lackadaisical defending, danced to the edge of the box, and curled a wicked effort beyond Okoye’s reach.

Coach Chelle introduced Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu, and Philip Otele late in the game, but the trio failed to mount a cohesive comeback.

The match finished 2‑1, marking Coach Chelle’s first loss in regulation time since taking the helm of the Super Eagles last January.

More to follow…