Ruthless Portugal thrash Super Eagles in friendly
Nigeria ends 2022 with five consecutive friendly defeats
Qatar-bound Portugal rounded off their preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in style by thrashing Nigeria’s Super Eagles 4-0 at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon. The 2016 European champions were a class above their African opponents in the friendly.
Despite the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo missing in action, Portugal fielded a star-studded XI against the Super Eagles, with each side fielding a debutant. Fenerbahce full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel started for Nigeria while 19-year-old Antonio Silva started for Portugal in defence.
Portugal drew first blood inside the opening ten minutes through Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes. The 27-year-old was found in the box by club teammate Diogo Dalot, leaving him with the simple task of tapping the ball into the unguarded net.
The Europeans continued to control proceedings and soon doubled their advantage from the penalty spot. Debutant Osayi-Samuel handled the ball in the box, allowing Bruno to stroke home a penalty past the stranded Francis Uzoho in the 35th minute.
Nigeria improved in the second half after a series of changes were made, with Villarreal forward Samuel Chukwueze, in particular, impressing on the flank. The Super Eagles showed more fight as they starved the Portuguese of clear-cut chances in the second half.
Nigeria had a chance to halve the deficit after a quick counter involving substitute Emmanuel Dennis and the pacey Osayi-Samuel saw the right-back end up on the deck after a barge by Dalot.
Dennis picked up the ball on his insistence and fired the penalty too close to Rui Patricio, who tipped the effort onto the upright in the 81st minute.
One minute later, some slick interplay saw Portugal extend their lead over the Super Eagles. Joao Felix played Raphael Guerreiro in, and the Borussia Dortmund man squared the ball for substitute debutant Goncalo Ramos to tap in from close range.
Portugal rounded off the scoring in the 84th minute through the experienced Joao Mario after more impressive interplay through the crestfallen Super Eagles. Their slick movement and passing saw Mario tap in the ball from close range to give them a comprehensive win.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have now lost all five of their international friendlies in 2022, with the defeat to Portugal their largest this year. Portugal will jet off to Qatar for the commencement of their World Cup campaign.
