Soccer
Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo. Copyright: xRitaxFrancaxIMAGO
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been given a clear warning about the threat posed by Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of their international friendly against Portugal in Leiria, Soccernet.ng reports.
The two nations will meet at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa on Wednesday, June 10, in a high-profile encounter that forms part of Portugal’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez believes Ronaldo remains one of the most dangerous forwards in world football despite turning 41. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star is expected to lead the Portuguese attack as they take on Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles.
Nigeria arrived in Portugal after drawing 2-2 with Poland earlier this month and will be looking to continue building momentum despite missing out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Key players including Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are unavailable but Terem Moffi, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Calvin Bassey are all expected to feature.
However, Martinez insists Ronaldo remains the player Nigeria must pay closest attention to.
“For us, Cristiano’s role is very specific and very clear,” Martinez told FourFourTwo. “He’s our primary goalscorer.
“He opens up space brilliantly with his movement inside the box – the timing, the positioning, the runs he makes across defenders are among the best in the world, even now.”
Soccer Super Eagles: Martinez points to Ronaldo’s remarkable numbers
Ronaldo no longer relies on explosive dribbles or long sprints as he did earlier in his career. Instead, the Portuguese captain has developed into a specialist penalty-box striker whose movement, finishing and aerial ability continue to punish defenders.
Martinez believes Ronaldo’s value extends far beyond goals. The Portugal manager says the veteran striker’s experience, leadership and commitment remain crucial assets for a squad preparing for another World Cup campaign.
“He also brings experience in decisive moments that nobody else in the squad can match,” Martinez continues.
“Because none have lived what he has in the number of decisive games he’s played over his career.
“Then there’s his attitude. His commitment to Portugal is total, absolute and strong even today – not historical. That’s why he remains our captain.
“He’s scored 25 goals in 30 matches under my management. The numbers make the argument for him. Our standard for selection is identical for every single player, and it’s very high. Cristiano meets it. He’s not in the squad because of what he was, but because his present form earns it every time.”
Those statistics reveal the challenge awaiting Nigeria’s defence. Bassey and his fellow defenders will need to remain fully concentrated inside the penalty area, where Ronaldo remains at his most dangerous.
His intelligent movement often drags defenders out of position and creates opportunities for teammates such as Bruno Fernandes. Portugal will be without Rafael Leão, who is suspended, but Ronaldo’s presence alone remains capable of changing the course of a match.
The Super Eagles also have recent history to overcome. The last senior meeting between the two countries came in November 2022 when Portugal cruised to a 4-0 victory in Lisbon.
Interestingly, Ronaldo did not score in that game, but Martinez will be hoping his captain can make the difference this time as Portugal complete their final World Cup warm-up against one of Africa’s biggest football nations.
Imhonlamhen
Imhonlamhen is a football writer and editor at Soccernet.ng with over six years’ experience shaping its editorial voice. A lifelong Arsenal and Super Eagles fan, he combines engineering precision with training in journalism and digital media. He has covered four AFCONs and two Women’s AFCON tournaments, specialising in Super Eagles history and tracking Nigerian players worldwide, while keeping a close eye on the NPFL and emerging homegrown talents.
Read MoreImhonlamhen