Soccer
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Victor Osimhen of Nigeria. Photo by: IconSport
Portugal are in advanced discussions to play a friendly match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in June, as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.
The proposed fixture is expected to take place on June 6, likely in Lisbon, with both football federations and their intermediaries having reached an agreement in principle, although some final details are still to be concluded.
If all goes to plan, football fans could witness a blockbuster showdown between Victor Osimhen and Cristiano Ronaldo on the same pitch.
Nigeria will not take part in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but their impressive showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they finished third, has made them an attractive opponent for several World Cup-bound teams.
Soccer Portugal vs Nigeria: Agreement in principle reached
Portugal, who have already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, are looking to fine-tune their squad against high-quality opposition. Per Afrik Foot, the Selecao have proposed the Super Eagles as one of their June test matches, with talks progressing positively between both sides.
The European giants currently know two of their three group-stage opponents for the World Cup — Colombia and Uzbekistan. Their final group rival could be the Democratic Republic of Congo, depending on the outcome of the intercontinental playoff involving the winner of New Caledonia vs Jamaica, scheduled for March 31 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Despite missing out on World Cup qualification, Nigeria remain one of Africa’s most respected football nations and were among the standout teams at AFCON 2025. Their bronze-medal finish in Morocco underlined their growing competitiveness on the continental stage.
Soccer Recent history favours Portugal
The only previous meeting between Portugal and Nigeria took place on November 17, 2022, shortly before the World Cup in Qatar. On that occasion, the Selecao ran out 4–0 winners at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon.
Bruno Fernandes scored twice in that match, with Gonçalo Ramos and João Mário also finding the net to seal a comfortable victory for the Portuguese.
If finalised, the June friendly will offer Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against elite European opposition, while Portugal will view the Super Eagles as ideal preparation ahead of their World Cup campaign.
The match would also mark a rare meeting between the two nations and could provide a platform for several Nigeria-based and Europe-based stars to stake their claim ahead of upcoming international competitions.
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