Nigeria show character in friendly loss to Portugal

According to Sport247, the Super Eagles matched the European giants for long spells of the contest and showed plenty of character against a side led by legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Before kick-off, midfielder Alexander Iwobi was honoured for reaching a major milestone in Nigerian football. National Sports Commission chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Nigeria Football Federation executive committee member Sharif Rabiu Inuwa presented the Fulham star with a commemorative framed jersey to celebrate his 100th appearance for the national team.

Portugal made a lively start and threatened early through Ronaldo, but the veteran forward failed to convert a one-on-one opportunity. Nigeria responded through Akor Adams, who narrowly missed the target after finding space in the final third.

The hosts eventually broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto fired home from close range following a swift attacking move involving Diogo Dalot.

Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye then kept Nigeria in the contest with several impressive saves, including a fine stop to deny Bruno Fernandes.

The Super Eagles were rewarded for their persistence eight minutes before halftime. Adams won possession high up the pitch before finishing confidently past Diogo Costa after being picked out by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

Nigeria continued to battle after the interval, with Okoye producing a double save to frustrate Joao Felix and keep the scores level.

Coach Eric Chelle introduced a number of substitutes on the hour mark and the changes injected fresh energy into the side as Nigeria continued to take the game to Portugal.

However, the decisive moment arrived with 15 minutes remaining when Francisco Conceição cut in from the right before firing beyond Okoye to secure victory for the hosts.

Despite the result, Nigeria will take encouragement from a performance that demonstrated resilience, quality and competitiveness against one of Europe's strongest nations.

The defeat was only Chelle's second loss in regulation time in 25 matches as Super Eagles coach.

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