Portugal coach Martinez praises Chelle’s idea, names two top Super Eagles stars.

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez said Nigeria remains a strong and competitive side, even without their key forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, ahead of their upcoming international friendly.

Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle confirmed that both forwards will miss the match after their recent victory in the Unity Cup, noting they have been rested following a demanding club season.

Despite the absence of the Galatasaray and Atlético Madrid forwards, Martinez added that the encounter would still benefit both teams as Portugal continues to prepare for future competitions.

In his pre‑match press conference before facing Portugal, Martinez expressed excitement for a hard‑fought game, praising Nigeria’s tactical flexibility and the coach’s ability to deploy various systems that suit different players.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s recent performances, including their friendly against Poland, describing their approach as dynamic and adaptable.

“There are numerous factors to consider when facing a team like Congo,” Martinez said. “In terms of Nigeria’s forward players, I believe they give us valuable insights for defending as a cohesive unit.”

“I anticipate a Nigerian team that will be highly competitive. I appreciated the last match against Poland, their most recent friendly. I admire the coach’s philosophy. The diverse systems they employ are well‑suited to different players in various positions.”

He named Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi as players he is familiar with, adding that Nigeria’s experience and skill will ensure a challenging match for both sides.

“It is evident that players like Osimhen and Lookman are absent. However, they have other athletes who perform at exceptional levels,” he noted.

“I foresee a very competitive game, featuring truly talented players with considerable experience, such as Bassey and Iwobi—individuals I know quite well. It will be a competitive match that will benefit both teams in numerous ways.”