Portugal in Advanced Talks to Face Super Eagles in June Friendly
Portugal are in advanced discussions to play a friendly match against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in June, as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The fixture is expected to take place on June 6, likely in Lisbon. Both football federations and their intermediaries have reportedly reached an agreement in principle, although some final details are yet to be completed.
If the game goes ahead, fans could witness a thrilling clash between Victor Osimhen and Cristiano Ronaldo on the same pitch.
Although Nigeria will not feature at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, their strong performance 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.
Portugal, who have already secured their place at the 2026 tournament, are looking to fine-tune their squad against top-level opposition. Talks with the Super Eagles are reportedly progressing positively, with the European side keen on a competitive test in June.
The Selecao already know two of their three group-stage opponents for the World Cup – Colombia and Uzbekistan – while their final group rival could be the Democratic Republic of Congo, depending on the outcome of an intercontinental playoff in March.
Despite missing out on World Cup qualification, Nigeria remain one of Africa’s most respected football nations. Their bronze-medal finish at AFCON 2025 highlighted their growing competitiveness on the continental stage.
The two teams have only met once before, in November 2022, when Portugal beat Nigeria 4–0 in Lisbon. Bruno Fernandes scored twice, with Gonçalo Ramos and João Mário also finding the net.
If confirmed, the June friendly will give Nigeria another chance to test themselves against elite European opposition, while Portugal will view the game as an ideal preparation ahead of the World Cup. It will also provide a platform for Nigeria-based and Europe-based stars to impress on the international stage.
