Portugal ended their World Cup build-up with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria, secured by a superb late strike from Francisco Conceicao at Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa, as Roberto Martinez’s team closed their preparations with a win despite a wasteful display in front of goal from Cristiano Ronaldo.
The match offered a mixed night for Portugal’s attack. Ronaldo missed several presentable chances, yet Portugal still created enough to edge a competitive friendly. Pedro Neto put the hosts in front, Akor Adams equalised for Nigeria, and Conceicao’s solo effort finally decided a contest that underlined both Portugal’s strengths and concerns.
Portugal struck first after a bright opening period. Diogo Dalot surged to the byline on the right and pulled the ball
back, with Pedro Neto guiding a controlled left-footed effort into the bottom-right corner, giving Portugal a deserved lead after both teams had already passed up clear sights of goal.
Before Neto’s goal, Ronaldo spurned a major early opportunity. Nelson Semedo drove down the right and squared across goal, but Ronaldo dragged a close-range shot wide of the left post. At the other end, Akor Adams also wasted a promising opening, shooting off target after finding space inside the penalty area.
Nigeria gradually grew into the game and punished Portugal’s profligacy eight minutes before half-time. Adams showed calm footwork in the box, outmanoeuvring the defender before steering a precise finish across the goalkeeper into the far corner, levelling the score despite Portugal controlling most of the first-half play.
Maduka Okoye helped keep Nigeria competitive. Soon after Portugal’s opener, Bruno Fernandes met a cross with a fierce volley at the near post, but Okoye reacted sharply, tipping the ball over the bar. That save, along with several solid interventions, delayed Portugal’s second goal until deep into the second half.
Portugal World Cup focus as Conceicao and Felix impress
Martinez made several half-time substitutions, while keeping Ronaldo on the pitch, and Portugal tightened their grip on the contest. Joao Felix quickly tested Okoye in the 48th minute, drawing another excellent save, then unleashed a powerful strike that crashed against the crossbar, with the ball landing just in front of the goal line.
The breakthrough finally came 15 minutes from time. Conceicao collected possession on the right, glided past Zaidu Sanusi, then cut inside and drilled a low shot into the bottom-left corner. The goal rewarded Portugal’s sustained pressure and ensured the team completed World Cup preparations with a morale-boosting home win.
Portugal World Cup hopes shaped by Ronaldo’s wasteful night
Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening despite Portugal’s victory. The Al-Nassr striker attempted four shots and failed to convert any, with three efforts coming inside the area. Those three chances were worth an expected goals value of 1.19, underlining how often Portugal’s main forward found promising positions.
Across the match, Portugal generated chances worth 1.63 expected goals, illustrating how wasteful the team, and especially Ronaldo, were in front of goal. The 41-year-old, who has scored 143 international goals, also squandered another major opportunity five minutes after the interval by not taking a touch when sent through on goal.
There were positives defensively for Martinez. Portugal limited Nigeria to only five attempts, all of which came before half-time, suggesting improved control after the break. With the World Cup starting on 11 June 2026, Martinez will hope Ronaldo finds sharper finishing as Portugal prepare for their Group K opener against DR Congo.
With just one day to go until the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, here are the latest Opta supercomputer projections. pic.twitter.com/ZFkssN0L5lOpta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 10, 2026
Opta’s supercomputer ranks Portugal as fifth favourites for the tournament, reflecting strong overall potential despite concerns around finishing. With this win over Nigeria secured and key players gaining minutes, attention now shifts fully to competitive action and the challenge of delivering on those statistical expectations in Group K.
