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Portugal have received a major boost ahead of their international friendly against Nigeria after four key players from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) rejoined the national team camp following their UEFA Champions League triumph.
Defenders and midfielders Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves and striker Gonçalo Ramos linked up with the squad on Saturday ahead of Wednesday’s showdown with the Nigeria national football team in Leiria. The quartet had been granted extra time off after helping PSG defeat Arsenal F.C. in last weekend’s Champions League final.
Their return strengthens coach Roberto Martínez’s options as Portugal prepare for what is expected to be a stern examination against the African side. While the players were unavailable for the recent friendly against Chile, they are expected to feature against Nigeria subject to fitness assessments.
Portugal are also close to having a full-strength squad available, with forward João Félix continuing his recovery and gradually returning to training. The match forms part of Portugal’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they have been drawn alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan and Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The encounter will mark only the second senior meeting between Portugal and Nigeria. The first came in November 2022 when Portugal cruised to a 4-0 victory in Lisbon, with Ramos and Bruno Fernandes among the scorers.
Nigeria head into the fixture in encouraging form under Eric Chelle, having retained the Unity Cup in London and secured positive results in recent friendlies. However, the Super Eagles will be without several influential players, including captain Victor Osimhen and reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, both of whom withdrew after a demanding club campaign.
Striker Terem Moffi, who recently found the net against Poland, acknowledged the challenge awaiting Nigeria, describing Portugal as a tougher test and an opportunity for the Super Eagles to measure their progress against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
