Portugal Coach Martinez expects tough battle against Super Eagles

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has predicted a difficult test for his team when they face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in an international friendly on Wednesday night, Completesports.com reports.

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The Seleção das Quinas will host the three-time African champions at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The fixture also carries added significance for Portugal, who are expected to face another African side, the Democratic Republic of Congo, during the group stage of the tournament.

Martinez described the Super Eagles as a strong and tactically flexible side, saying the match will serve as an important test ahead of the World Cup.

“Against Nigeria, we have an opportunity to work on aspects that are similar to the strengths that Congo also has. It’s a different African team, with a lot of tactical flexibility. It’s a demanding opponent, it’s another test to prepare our group,” Martinez was quoted by Portuguese outlet O Jogo.

On team selecti on, the Portugal coach said the focus remains on preparing players and managing fitness ahead of the tournament.

“No. In the first game, there weren’t five or six players, plus Diogo Costa. We continue, it’s the last preparation game before the World Cup, but our focus is individual, trying to recover and give minutes to the players who need it,” he said.

“Our first objective is to get the players on the plane to Miami prepared for the World Cup. That’s the number one objective. We want to win. In football, you need to expect the unexpected… we have aspects that we need to improve.”

Portugal will use the friendly as one of their final tune-ups before heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.