Super Eagles’ friendly with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal confirmed

Nigeria and Portugal will face off in an international match in November, three days before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the tournament following their elimination in the playoffs by Ghana.

However, the three-time African championst have lined a number of high-profile friendlies, starting with Algeria in September before Portugal two months later.

Set to take place at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon on November 17, the game will be Portugal’s final tune-up match before they travel to Qatar where they will begin their tournament seven days later against Ghana before they take on Uruguay and South Korea in their other Group H ties.

“The match with Portugal will be the first clash at senior men level for both countries, though last year summer, the Super Falcons and the senior women’s team of Portugal fought out a thrilling 3-3 draw in the USWNT Summer Series in Houston, Texas, USA,” Nigeria Football Federation said via a statement confirming the match.

It will be a great test for Nigeria’s Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro given his side will come up against some of the world’s best players led by five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United.

Fernando Santos’ men are seeking to do better than their 2018 outing when they were knocked out of the World Cup by their 2022 group opponents Uruguay in the Round of 16.