For some Nigerian fans, the moment they hear "Portugal," their minds immediately travel back to that painful 4-0 defeat in Lisbon four years ago. The names Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva still carry a certain fear factor. But football does not stand still, and this Super Eagles team is no longer the same side that was humiliated in 2022.
The biggest mistake Nigerian fans can make ahead of next week's friendly is assuming Portugal are unbeatable. Yes, they are a top European side. Yes, they will be preparing for the World Cup. But if Wednesday's draw against Poland taught us anything, it is that Eric Chelle is quietly building a team that refuses to be intimidated.
The Super Eagles have now arrived in Lisbon with confidence growing inside the camp. According to team spokesman Promise Efoghe, 19 players made the trip from Poland, with Alex Iwobi and Genk defender Christian Akpan already joining the squad. Samuel Chukwueze is also expected to arrive shortly, giving Chelle even more attacking options.
Many fans have focused on the late equaliser Nigeria conceded against Poland. While dropping a lead in stoppage time was frustrating, it should not erase the positives from that performance. Away from home, against a European opponent, the Eagles controlled large parts of the game and looked dangerous whenever they attacked.
Terem Moffi and Paul Onuachu both found the net, while Wilfred Ndidi once again showed why he remains one of the most important leaders in the squad. For long periods, Nigeria looked like the better team. One spectacular strike from distance should not suddenly turn a good performance into a disaster.
What makes this Portugal game interesting is that the pressure is completely on the hosts. Portugal are heading to the World Cup and will want to convince their supporters that they are genuine contenders. Nigeria, meanwhile, can play with freedom and use the occasion to test new combinations ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
There is also a growing belief that Chelle's style is beginning to take shape. The Super Eagles no longer look like a collection of talented individuals waiting for moments of magic. There appears to be a clearer structure, better pressing and more willingness to keep possession under pressure.
The arrival of Alex Iwobi could be particularly important. Few Nigerian players are better at connecting midfield and attack. When Iwobi is confident, the entire team tends to play with more rhythm and creativity. Combined with Chukwueze's direct running and Moffi's movement, Nigeria have enough weapons to trouble any defence.
Some fans argue that Portugal's superior quality means the result is already decided. That mentality is exactly what Nigerian football needs to abandon. This is the same country that defeated Argentina at youth level, shocked defending champions in AFCON tournaments and consistently produced players capable of starring in Europe's biggest leagues.
Let's also not forget that Portugal themselves have weaknesses. Their defence has looked vulnerable against quick transitions, and several of their veteran stars are approaching the latter stages of their careers. If Nigeria presses aggressively and takes its chances, this match could become far more uncomfortable for the hosts than many expect.
The bigger picture is that these friendlies are about building a winning culture after the disappointment of missing the 2026 World Cup. Nobody can change what happened in the qualifiers. What matters now is creating a team capable of dominating Africa again and returning stronger for future tournaments.
So can Nigeria beat Portugal? Absolutely. It will not be easy, and Portugal will start as favourites. But football is not played on reputation. With Iwobi, Chukwueze and the rest of the squad joining a confident group already in Lisbon, Super Eagles fans have every reason to believe an upset is possible. The fear factor is gone. Now it is time to see whether this new-look Nigeria can back up the confidence on the pitch.
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