AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s international friendly against Portugal presents one of the toughest tests the Super Eagles have faced in recent years.
The Portuguese squad is loaded with talent across every position. From experienced leaders to world-class playmakers and elite defenders, Roberto Martínez has assembled a team capable of competing with anyone on the planet.
For Nigeria to leave Leiria with a positive result, Eric Chelle’s men will need to find a way to contain some of Portugal’s biggest stars.
Here are three Portuguese players the Super Eagles must keep a close eye on.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
There is only one place to start.
At 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the face of Portuguese football and one of the most dangerous goalscorers in the game.
Many defenders have made the mistake of thinking Ronaldo has slowed down and can no longer hurt opponents. More often than not, they end up punished.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner may not dribble past five players anymore, but his movement inside the penalty area, aerial ability, and clinical finishing remain world class.
For Portugal, Ronaldo’s numbers are simply extraordinary. Since making his debut in 2003, he has become the nation’s all-time leading scorer and appearance holder.
Nigeria’s central defenders, particularly Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, will need complete concentration whenever the ball enters the penalty area. Against Ronaldo, one moment of hesitation can be the difference between a clean sheet and conceding a goal.
The Portuguese captain may be in the twilight of his career, but he remains the man Nigeria must stop first.
2. Bruno Fernandes
If Ronaldo is Portugal’s finisher, Bruno Fernandes is the architect.
The midfielder is the creative engine of the Portuguese national team and arguably one of the best playmakers in world football.
Fernandes possesses everything a modern midfielder needs, vision, passing range, intelligence, goals, assists, and leadership.
His ability to unlock defences with a single pass makes him a nightmare for opponents. He can create chances from open play, punish teams from set pieces, and score from distance.
Nigeria experienced his quality firsthand in 2022 when he scored twice in Portugal’s 4-0 victory over the Super Eagles.
The battle between Fernandes and Nigeria’s midfield trio could decide the outcome of this game. If Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alex Iwobi allow him too much space, Portugal’s attack will become extremely difficult to contain.
Stopping Bruno Fernandes is often easier said than done.
3. Nuno Mendes
While Ronaldo and Fernandes grab most of the headlines, Nuno Mendes could be Portugal’s most complete player.
The left-back combines defensive excellence with attacking quality, making him one of the best full-backs in world football.
Mendes has earned a reputation for neutralising some of the game’s most dangerous wingers. His pace, strength, positioning, and tackling ability make him incredibly difficult to beat in one-on-one situations.
At the same time, he is a major attacking outlet. He constantly overlaps, delivers dangerous crosses, and creates overloads down the left flank.
His duel with Moses Simon or Samuel Chukwueze could become one of the most fascinating battles of the match.
If Nigeria’s wingers can get the better of Mendes, they will significantly increase their chances of causing an upset. If Mendes wins that battle, Portugal will gain control of an important area of the pitch.
