Form and Line-up Portugal
Portugal come into the game in excellent form under Roberto Martinez. The home team have not lost at home for more than two years, while their unbeaten run on home soil stands at nine matches. During that period, they have recorded wins over Croatia (2:1), Scotland (2:1) and Denmark (5:2).
Ahead of the World Cup, the returns of Vitinha and Joao Neves are especially important, as together with Bruno Fernandes they form one of the strongest midfields in the world. Ball control and a high level of work in the centre of the pitch are the main weapons of the current Portugal side.
The loss of Rafael Leao through suspension does not look critical. He has not shown his best form in recent matches, while his place can be taken by Goncalo Guedes, who has already scored in the previous friendly against Chile (2:1).
Key Numbers Portugal:
They sit fifth in the current FIFA World Ranking.
Under Roberto Martinez, the national team have won 29 of their 39 matches.
They have scored at least twice in eight of their previous nine home games.
Probable Portugal line-up (4-3-3):
Rui Silva — Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Nuno Mendes — Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes — Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo, Goncalo Guedes.
Absentees: Rafael Leao (suspended), Matheus Nunes (doubtful).
Form and Line-up Nigeria
Nigeria are going through a prolonged mental drama — the Super Eagles sensationally failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing to DR Congo on penalties in a dramatic November play-off. New head coach Eric Chelle has to build a new team with an eye on the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. It is worth noting that the away team have not lost in normal time for 12 matches in a row, but the level of opposition over the past six months has been far from elite. Last week in Warsaw, an experimental white-and-green line-up drew with Poland (2:2).
The Achilles heel of the current Nigeria side is the huge number of personnel losses. The two main stars and driving forces of the attack have not travelled to Leiria: Victor Osimhen is resolving issues over a transfer from Galatasaray to a new club, while Ademola Lookman has been given a rest after an exhausting club season. The situation is also complicated by the injury to leading centre-back Igoh Ogbu, who had anchored the defence in the last six games. Without him, the Super Eagles' defensive line looks vulnerable away from home — the team concede two goals in away friendlies.
Key Numbers Nigeria:
They are 26th in the FIFA national team ranking.
They have not won any of their last seven friendlies against European national teams.
They have kept a clean sheet in six of their previous nine matches.
Probable Nigeria line-up (4-4-2):
Maduka Okoye — Abdullahi Bevene, Calvin Bassey, Emmanuel Fernandez, Zaidu Sanusi — Moses Simon, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Philip Otele — Akor Adams, Paul Onuachu.
Absentees: Igoh Ogbu (injury), Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze (all out of the squad).
