Akor Adams was on target for the Super Eagles, but it was not enough to prevent Nigeria from suffering a 2-1 defeat to Portugal in Wednesday’s international friendly in Leiria, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Goals from Pedro Neto and substitute Francisco Conceição secured victory for the hosts, while Adams grabbed Nigeria’s only goal in an entertaining contest.
The result means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two nations, having also recorded a 4-0 victory in their first-ever clash in 2022.
Before kick-off, Alex Iwobi was presented with a commemorative frame to mark his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez named a strong starting line-up featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Dias, Diogo Dalot, João Neves and Vitinha.
For Nigeria, Eric Chelle handed a debut to Christian Akpan, while Maduka Okoye started in goal behind a back four of Akpan, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi. Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Tochukwu Nnadi operated in midfield, with Adams, Moses Simon and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru leading the attack.
Ronaldo had the first sight of goal after just two minutes but dragged his effort wide.
Nigeria responded in the seventh minute when Onyemaechi tested the Portuguese goalkeeper with a low drive from outside the box.
Moments later, Ronaldo was presented with a golden opportunity after breaking through on goal, but Okoye stood firm to deny the veteran forward.
The Super Eagles nearly opened the scoring themselves shortly afterwards, but Adams saw his left-footed strike drift narrowly wide.
Portugal eventually broke the deadlock midway through the first half when Neto latched onto Dalot’s pass inside the box before firing a low shot beyond Okoye.
Bruno Fernandes almost doubled the lead on 33 minutes, but Okoye produced a fine save to tip his effort away for a corner.
The hosts continued to threaten, with Trincão also going close before Nigeria found an equaliser in the 37th minute.
Adams calmly collected a pass from Dele-Bashiru and drilled a low effort through the goalkeeper’s legs to level proceedings.
Portugal made several changes at the start of the second half, introducing Bernardo Silva, João Félix, João Cancelo and Conceição.
The hosts dominated possession after the restart, but Nigeria remained organised and difficult to break down.
Ronaldo squandered another excellent opportunity in the 49th minute after meeting a dangerous cross from Nuno Mendes, blazing his effort off target with only Okoye to beat.
Just after the hour mark, Ndidi produced a crucial interception to deny Conceição from close range.
Chelle responded with a series of substitutions, introducing Abdullahi Bewene, Zaidu Sanusi, Terem Moffi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika.
However, Portugal regained the lead with 15 minutes remaining when Conceição cut inside and rifled a low strike beyond Okoye.
The Super Eagles continued to push for another equaliser, with Emmanuel Fernandez, Paul Onuachu and Philip Otele all introduced in the closing stages.
João Félix nearly added a third goal for Portugal on 82 minutes, but Bewene's intervention allowed Okoye to gather safely.
The Nigerian goalkeeper was called into action again moments later, producing a brilliant point-blank save to keep his side within reach.
Late on, substitute Samuel Chukwueze threatened to break through on goal, but Portugal's recovering defenders quickly snuffed out the danger as the hosts held on for victory.
Despite the defeat, Chelle's side delivered another encouraging performance against top-class opposition as preparations continue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.