Alex Iwobi marked his 100th appearance for Nigeria, but the Super Eagles suffered a 2-1 defeat to Portugal in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The Fulham midfielder became only the fourth Nigerian player to reach the century mark for international appearances, but the milestone was overshadowed by a narrow loss that ended Nigeria’s 12-match unbeaten run in regulation time.
Portugal, who are preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, secured victory thanks to a second-half winner from Francisco Conceição after Akor Adams had cancelled out Pedro Neto’s opener.
Adams scores as Nigeria respond
The hosts made a bright start and were rewarded in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto finished a well-worked move involving Diogo Dalot to put Portugal ahead.
Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix both threatened to extend the lead before halftime, but goalkeeper Maduka Okoye made important saves to keep Nigeria in contention.
The Super Eagles gradually settled into the game, with Wilfred Ndidi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru helping Nigeria gain control in midfield.
Their improvement paid off eight minutes before the break when Dele-Bashiru released Akor Adams with a precise pass into the penalty area. The striker kept his composure and slotted a low finish past the goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1.
Conceição settles entertaining contest
Both managers made changes after the interval as the game remained evenly balanced.
Eric Chelle introduced Paul Onuachu, Frank Onyeka, Terem Moffi and Zaidu Sanusi, while Christian Akpan was handed his Super Eagles debut before being replaced by Abdullahi Bewene shortly after the hour mark.
Nigeria appeared more organised defensively in the second half, but Portugal found the breakthrough in the 75th minute through Conceição.
The winger produced a brilliant individual run, weaving past several defenders before firing a low shot into the corner to restore the hosts’ advantage.
The Super Eagles pushed forward in search of a late equaliser, but Portugal held firm to claim the win.
Despite the defeat, the match provided another valuable test for Chelle’s side ahead of future assignments, while Portugal gained further momentum before their World Cup campaign.
For Iwobi, the night still carried personal significance as he joined an exclusive group of Nigerian centurions that includes Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo and Ahmed Musa.
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