Ronaldo and Fernandes Pose a Serious Threat to the Eagles, Says Adepoju

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Former Nigerian international Mutiu Adepoju has said that Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes will pose the biggest challenge to the Super Eagles in tomorrow’s international friendly.

Roberto Martínez’s side are preparing for their tournament opener against DR Congo on June 17, but Nigeria missed a place in the finals of the summer competition after losing to DR Congo in the CAF playoff final on penalties.

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Ronaldo and Fernandes remain the dynamic focal points of Portuguese football, consistently delivering impressive performances for both club and country. As the key playmaking and goal‑scoring duo, they carry enormous expectations heading into major international tournaments.

In a conversation with Completesports.com, Adepoju noted that the sheer determination and world‑class quality of both players make them dangerous.

“Definitely, the duo of Ronaldo and Fernandes will be a threat. They have always been a threat to play against due to the qualities they possessed,” Adepoju told Completesports.com.

“The Super Eagles must work very hard to stop them. They are footballers like our players, so I believe Nigeria will be able to curtail them.”

Eagles’ Absence From 2026 World Cup

The Super Eagles have been regulars in the World Cup since 1994, featuring in six of the last eight tournaments and reaching the round of 16 twice during that period.

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Eric Chelle’s team will enter this match after a 2‑2 draw with Poland, and the national side are unbeaten in their last six games across all competitions.

Nigeria have won nine of their last 12 matches, including victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica at the end of May to retain the Unity Cup in London, so they will provide strong competition for Portugal ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

“Victory is always good, and if tomorrow we beat Portugal, it’s another good result for us,” he said. “But unfortunately, Nigeria will not be going to the 2026 World Cup. But then, the team must work towards qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.”