Nigeria’s preparations in Portugal received a major boost following the arrival of midfielder Alex Iwobi and Genk defender Christian Akpan in Lisbon, as the Super Eagles stepped up training ahead of their international friendly against Portugal, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
A total of 19 players travelled from Poland to Portugal after Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Poland, with head coach Éric Chelle continuing to fine-tune his squad ahead of upcoming assignments.
The latest arrivals have strengthened the team’s options in both midfield and defence, while Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is expected to join the camp on Friday, bringing the squad closer to full strength.
However, striker Rafiu Durosinmi did not make the trip to Portugal after being granted permission to attend to private matters.
With the addition of Iwobi and Akpan, the coaching crew now have more flexibility as preparations intensify in Lisbon ahead of Saturday’s friendly encounter.
The training camp is expected to provide valuable time for the players to build chemistry, improve match fitness and further adapt to Chelle’s tactical approach as Nigeria continues preparations for future competitive fixtures.
The Super Eagles will take on Portugal in an international friendly on Saturday, June 10, with the match serving as another important test following their successful Unity Cup campaign.
Nigeria head into the fixture in high spirits after retaining the Unity Cup title and earning a creditable draw against Poland earlier this week.
The three-time African champions are using the friendly matches to prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Chelle expected to assess several players before the start of the qualification campaign.