Portugal coach Martinez names player set to play full 90 minutes against Nigeria

Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martínez, has confirmed that Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa will play every minute of the friendly against the Super Eagles on Wednesday evening.

With 42 international caps and having appeared in every minute of Portugal’s World Cup qualifying matches, Costa is the team’s undisputed first‑choice goalkeeper.

Despite this, the 26‑year‑old has not played in Portugal’s last three fixtures. He missed the matches against Mexico and the United States because of an adductor injury and was an unused substitute in the game against Chile on Sunday, June 6.

Martínez said that while Portugal intends to rotate several players during the friendly to manage workload and test squad depth, Costa’s position in goal is secured for the full 90 minutes.

In a statement reported by A Bola, he told journalists, “Our emphasis is on the individual, providing playing time to those who require it. The primary goal is to prepare the players for the flight to Miami for the World Cup.”

“We aim to win. This is an opportunity to work on elements that I believe are similar to those we will face against Congo. They are a challenging opponent, and this serves as another test.”

“We will make adjustments throughout the match; the plan is for Diogo Costa to complete the full 90 minutes while the other players receive some playing time.”

Costa was in Portugal’s squad the last time they played Nigeria, but he remained on the bench for the entire match, with former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Rui Patrício chosen to start in goal.