Portugal’s Dias and Sà say the match against Nigeria is crucial for the game.

Portugal defenders Ruben Dias and Jose Sá have highlighted the importance of their upcoming friendly against Nigeria as the national side continues to fine‑tune its squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Seleção das Quinas will play the Super Eagles at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria next Wednesday, marking only the second meeting between the teams in four years.

While Dias appeared in the first half of Portugal’s 4–0 win over Nigeria in November 2002, the Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper remained an unused substitute.

Portugal is using the Nigeria fixture to sharpen its tactics ahead of its World Cup opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo, who qualified for the tournament by edging the Super Eagles in the final of the African playoffs.

In preparation for warm‑up matches against Chile and Nigeria, goalkeeper Jose Sá said both games are crucial for the squad’s final preparations before the tournament begins.

“These will be two very important games against Chile and Nigeria to prepare for the World Cup. We are focused on giving our best and preparing well for the first game in the competition,” Sá told A Bola.

Manchester City centre‑back Dias, who has been named in Portugal’s World Cup squad for the third time, echoed Sá’s sentiments and stressed the unpredictable nature of the competition.

When asked about the significance of the friendlies against Chile and Nigeria, given the varied styles of Portugal’s World Cup opponents, Dias affirmed their importance.

“Yes, they will be extremely important. This is my third World Cup and I have already experienced firsthand, in various and different circumstances, the difficulty of playing against anyone in the World Cup,” Dias said to A Bola.

Portugal will also face Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K of the 2026 World Cup.