Portugal Clash Is a Massive Test for Super Eagles, Says Ndidi

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi said Wednesday’s international friendly against Portugal would be a valuable test for the team, Completesports.com reports.

Éric Chelle’s side enter the match in strong form, having won four of their last six games and drawn two. Since Chelle took charge in January 2025, the Super Eagles have lost only once in regulation time over 24 matches.

Super Eagles Ready For Portugal Showdown

Ndidi acknowledged the quality of their opponents but believes Nigeria is fully prepared for the challenge.

“It will be a very good test for us, we faced the first test against Poland, and Portugal is a great team with great players as well,” Ndidi told the media on Tuesday.

Read Also:Friendly: We Dominated Poland —Ndidi Reacts To Super Eagles 2-2 Draw

“It will be a massive test for us as a group, to our vision, to our aim as a team, to our growth. It will definitely be a good test for us.”

Thumbs Up For Éric Chelle

The Super Eagles have attracted attention with a series of strong performances, notably at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations where their attacking style earned widespread praise.

Ndidi credited head coach Éric Chelle for the team’s progress, praising the Malian tactician for turning the Super Eagles into a formidable international force.

“He (Chelle) is a very good manager, an amazing guy. The way he brings the team together is really good because everyone is happy to have him around. The most important thing is to have a group of players who are ready to fight and work for you, and also do the nation proud,” added Ndidi.

Ndidi Upbeat On Future

Ndidi also expressed optimism about the Super Eagles’ future, insisting the team is determined to move forward after missing qualification for the FIFA World Cup in the last two editions.

The Beşiktaş midfielder said the current squad is focused on building a successful future and ensuring Nigeria returns to the biggest stage in world football.

“Missing out on the World Cup is really sad. As I said earlier the aim is not to keep thinking about the past, but to look forward to the future, and what we can actually achieve together as a team,” Ndidi stated.

“The coach has brought in a great philosophy, and you can see that in the way we performed at the last AFCON. Yes, we couldn’t win the title, but it was exciting.”

Read Also:Ndidi Labels Poland Friendly ‘Important Test’ For Super Eagles

“We have a good mindset now, which is very positive going forward. We look forward to every training, every game, trying to improve. We are not perfect, but I know we are getting there, we are getting to improve every day.”

Portugal A Big Test

Ndidi added that the friendly against Portugal represents another important step in the Super Eagles’ growth, stressing that matches against top-quality opposition are crucial to the team’s development.

The former Leicester star believes testing themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides will provide valuable experience as the Super Eagles continue to build for the future.

“We learn when we win, draw or lose. There is so much confidence in the team. With our philosophy, we believe in ourselves. We don’t know who are playing, even if we are playing against the biggest countries in the world, the most important thing is that as players we are ready to win. We look forward to taking our philosophy, and strategy to the game,” declared Ndidi.

“If it comes out well we will keep learning, if it is the other way too, we will keep learning. We didn’t qualify for this World Cup which was very painful, but what we are planning now is for the future. The target, the aim is to keep improving, and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

“We will try to qualify for every tournament, we will try to win games which is very important. and also the group is focused on achieving that. It is very sad for us as a nation to miss out of the World Cup, as massive as we are. Good luck to the guys who will be playing at the World Cup. For us a team, we are looking forward to the next competition.”

By Adeboye Amosu