Ronaldo-less Portugal trash Super Eagles in friendly as Emmanuel Dennis misses penalty

The World Cup-bound Portugal team destroyed the Super Eagles of Nigeria 4-0 at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon.

Portugal dominated the West African team throughout the entire match, regardless of the fact that it was an international friendly.

Only eight minutes had passed when the Portuguese team scored their first goal. Joao Félix lifted through a beautiful pass for Diogo Dalot, who sprinted past the defense and into the Nigeria area.

Dalot displayed outstanding poise as he waited a brief period of time before squaring the ball to Bruno Fernandes, who tucked home from close range, according to AS.

The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 34th minute when rookie Osayi-Samuel handled the ball in the Nigerian penalty area. Bruno Fernandes moved into position and fired it into the right corner, surprising Francis Uzoho in the goal. Portugal won 2-0.

Emmanuel Dennis misses penalty

Diogo Dalot shoved over Osayi-Samuel inside the Portugal area in the 80th minute, and the referee pointed to the spot, giving Nigeria a chance to get back into the game.

​​​​​​​Emmanuel Dennis, who had just taken over for Moses Simon, moved to take it, but his shot was weak, and goalkeeper Rui Patrcio made a simple save to keep the score at 2-0. After Guerreiro put forth an impressive effort up front and created plenty of space, debutant Gonçalo Ramos tucked the ball home from six yards away to make it 3-0 one minute later.

It only took Portugal two more minutes to score again, and Joao Mário this time used his sidefoot to score. Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in the end.

Why Cristiano Ronaldo missed the match

Cristiano Ronaldo, a star for Manchester United, was reportedly left off Portugal’s squad for their international match against the Super Eagles, according to earlier reports.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was sick with a stomach bug, according to coach Fernando Santos, and would be unavailable for the game.

In order to get ready for their campaign at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, Ronaldo and his teammates are currently in camp in Portugal.