Portugal vs Nigeria LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo's Side Play Final Warm-Up Match Before 2026 World Cup
Game over: Portugal pips Nigeria in a hard-fought win
90 mins: The fourth official raises the board, and there will be four minutes of added time for Nigeria to find a way back into the contest.
90+1 mins: Nigeria searches for a late equaliser as Terem Moffi slides a clever through ball into space for a teammate making the run beyond the defence. Portugal, however, remain alert, with a defender stepping across to extinguish the danger.
90+2 mins: Substitute Paul Onuachu concedes a needless free kick after a clumsy challenge on his marker, handing Portugal a valuable opportunity to eat into the remaining seconds.
90+3 mins: Zaidu Sanusi becomes the latest name in the referee's notebook. The Nigerian defender catches Francisco Conceição with a high boot, leaving Mateo Busquets with little option but to brandish a yellow card.
90+4 mins: Tempers begin to fray in the closing stages. Samu Costa also goes into the book after a late challenge, as the cautions continue to pile up in a frantic finale.
90+5 mins: Nigeria cannot muster one final opening. Portugal manage the closing moments professionally, and referee Mateo Busquets brings proceedings to an end in Leiria.
Full Time: Portugal 2-1 Nigeria
Portugal head to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the back of successive victories after edging Nigeria 2-1 on home soil in an entertaining contest.
Pedro Neto opened the scoring with a composed finish before Akor Adams punished a defensive lapse to deservedly draw the Super Eagles level.
But the decisive moment arrived in the 75th minute when substitute Francisco Conceição burst into life, cutting inside to curl a superb effort into the far corner and restore Portugal's advantage.
Nigeria will take plenty of encouragement from a spirited display in which they matched their illustrious opponents for long spells and asked serious questions of Roberto Martínez's side. Yet, in the end, Portugal's superior cutting edge proved decisive.
Up next: Portugal turn their attention to a meeting with DR Congo in Houston, Texas, as they seek for the Holy Grail in North America.
Portugal 2-1 Nigeria: Game is getting intense with tackles flying all over
78 mins: Portugal nearly become architects of their own downfall yet again. Renato Veiga almost loses his footing while receiving a pass just outside his own penalty area, but the hosts are spared when the Nigerian attacker, eager to seize on the loose ball, commits a foul in the process. Portugal breathe a sigh of relief as they are awarded a defensive free kick.
79 mins: Nigeria continue to ask questions and are beginning to impose themselves on the contest. However, a moment of over-enthusiasm in possession allows Portugal to regain control and halt another promising attack.
80 mins: A worrying moment for Portugal. Rúben Neves goes to ground clutching his face in discomfort after Terem Moffi catches him during a challenge. The midfielder takes his time before rising to his feet and, fortunately for the home side, walks off unaided and appears able to continue.
81 mins: Nigeria survive a major scare. João Félix controls a pass beautifully and looks poised to burst into the penalty area before Abdullahi Bewene nudges him off the ball. Portugal appeal loudly for a spot kick, but the referee waves play on, much to the frustration of the home crowd.
82 mins: Félix is once again at the centre of the action. The Portuguese forward drives purposefully towards the heart of the Nigerian defence and is brought down this time, prompting the referee to award a free kick. However, Portugal fail to capitalise on the resulting set-piece, and Nigeria restart with a goal kick.
84 mins: The physicality has intensified as both sides battle for control. Portugal's shaky defence almost pays the price once more when Samuel Chukwueze races onto a loose ball in midfield and drives forward with intent. But hesitation creeps into his decision-making, allowing Portugal to recover numbers behind the ball. A firm challenge eventually dispossesses him, leaving the Nigerian winger visibly frustrated at the missed opportunity.
86 mins: Fatigue appears to be setting in. Sloppy passing has crept into both teams' play, with possession changing hands repeatedly as each side struggles to maintain composure in the closing stages.
Conceição restores Portugal's lead with a stunning shot
68 mins: It's time for another hydration break, but, as has been the theme of the evening, both coaching staffs turn the pause into an impromptu tactical briefing. The lighter moment comes from Akor Adams, who cheekily wanders into Portugal's huddle for a few seconds, drawing bemused reactions from those around him. Bernardo Silva, however, appears far less amused by the interruption.
70 mins: We are back underway, and Nigeria emerge from the break looking the sharper of the two sides. A promising effort from the edge of the box is bravely charged down by the Portuguese defence. Moments later, João Félix lets his frustration show. The Portuguese forward first attempts to halt Calvin Bassey with a tackle from behind but fails to win the ball before bringing down his opponent. He then angrily blasts the ball away after the whistle and is promptly shown a yellow card by the referee. A needless booking for the Saudi Pro League's 2025/26 Most Valuable Player.
73 mins: The game has become increasingly end-to-end. The hydration break appeared to take some of the sting out of Portugal's early second-half dominance, but Roberto Martínez's men are beginning to rediscover their rhythm. João Cancelo swings in another dangerous cross, although Nigeria deals with it well.
75 mins: GOAL! Portugal restore their advantage!
What a finish from Francisco Conceição.
The winger bursts past Zaidu Sanusi with a dazzling change of pace before cutting inside and unleashing a magnificent curling effort. The strike bends beyond the crowd of bodies in the penalty area and nestles into the bottom corner, leaving Maduka Okoye with no chance. Portugal 2-1 Nigeria.
Portugal 1-1: Rnaldo is replaced after a toothless display
55 mins: Calvin Bassey reads the danger brilliantly to halt another Portugal attack. However, João Félix is quick to win the ball back as the hosts maintain their dominance in possession, patiently probing for a second goal that has so far remained elusive.
57 mins: Nigeria appear content to sit deep and absorb the pressure, allowing the 2016 European champions to enjoy the bulk of possession while staying compact and disciplined off the ball.
58 mins: Cristiano Ronaldo turns creator this time. The Portugal captain slips a clever pass into the path of Francisco Conceição, but the winger cannot get his feet sorted in time and rushes the finish, allowing Nigeria to clear the danger.
60 mins: It's Nigeria's turn to freshen things up. Coach Eric Chelle makes a raft of substitutions, withdrawing Christian Akpan, Moses Simon, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Wilfred Ndidi and Semi Ajayi as he looks to inject fresh energy into his side.
61 mins: That's much better from the Super Eagles. Chelle's men finally enjoy a sustained spell of possession, moving the ball confidently and attempting to lure Portugal out of their defensive shape.
62 mins: Ronaldo senses an opening after latching onto a long throw from Nuno Mendes, but an unusually heavy touch lets him down. Whether it was hesitation or an attempt to avoid rushing the opportunity, the moment passed harmlessly as Nigeria snuffed out the threat.
65 mins: Ronaldo drops into midfield to receive possession, but an alert Nigerian marker nips in to dispossess him. Frustration gets the better of the veteran forward, who concedes a foul. That proves to be his final act of the evening, as Roberto Martínez signals to the bench and introduces Gonçalo Ramos in place of the Portuguese icon.
Portugal 1-1 Nigeria: Joao Felix and Ronaldo go close
We are back underway in Leiria. Referee Mateo Busquets blows his whistle to signal the start of the second half, with Nigeria getting the ball rolling once again.
45 mins: Portugal wastes no time ringing the changes at the interval. Diogo Dalot, Vitinha, Pedro Neto, João Neves, Gonçalo Inácio, Rúben Dias, Francisco Trincão, Bruno Fernandes and Nelson Semedo have all made way as Roberto Martínez reshuffles his pack.
48 mins: What a strike from João Félix! The substitute almost restores Portugal's advantage with a thunderous effort that crashes against the crossbar, leaving Maduka Okoye with no chance despite his desperate attempt to reach it. For a fleeting moment, the Portuguese bench thought the ball had crossed the line, but the laws are clear – the entire ball must cross the line before a goal can be awarded. Heartbreak for Félix.
50 mins: What is happening to Cristiano Ronaldo? The 41-year-old is enduring a rare off-night in front of goal. Found inside the box by a teasing delivery from the flank, CR7 somehow guides his effort wide when it seemed easier to score. Three clear openings, three missed opportunities – so unlike the relentless finisher who has built a legendary career on finding the back of the net.
53 mins: Portugal have dominated possession since the restart. Roberto Martínez's wholesale changes appear to have injected fresh energy into the hosts, but despite their control, the scoreline remains delicately poised at 1-1.
55 mins: Another warning sign for Nigeria. João Cancelo delivers an inviting cross into the area, but João Félix cannot keep his header on target as the chance drifts wide. Maduka Okoye breathes a sigh of relief before restarting play with a goal kick.
HT: Portugal 1-1 Nigeria
43 mins: The momentum has shifted firmly in Nigeria’s favour since Adams’ equaliser, with the Super Eagles growing in belief and beginning to dictate phases of play.
45 mins: The referee signals three additional minutes. Portugal push forward in search of a response before the interval, but Nigeria remain compact, organised, and disciplined in their defensive shape.
45+1 mins: Portugal retain possession patiently, moving the ball crisply through midfield. Nelson Semedo is released down the right and whips in a teasing delivery, but Maduka Okoye is alert once again, confidently claiming the cross under pressure.
Source: Getty Images
45+2 mins: Nigeria win a corner after sustained pressure. Portugal deals with the initial delivery, but the move is recycled down the right flank. A dangerous through ball follows, yet the assistant’s flag goes up – Akor Adams is adjudged offside, halting what looked like a promising Super Eagles attack before the break.
45+3 mins: Portugal break quickly in transition and carve out a half-opening, but once again the assistant referee intervenes with an offside call. The whistle then goes, bringing an engaging first half to a close with the sides level at the interval.
Half-time in Leiria: All square at the break
It’s level at half-time after an entertaining and evenly contested first period. Pedro Neto gave Portugal the lead in the 23rd minute with a composed finish, but Nigeria responded strongly and deservedly equalised through Akor Adams in the 37th minute.
Cristiano Ronaldo has come close on a couple of occasions but remains without a breakthrough.
The big question now is whether he returns for the second half – and whether Nigeria can channel the spirit of famous comebacks on the global stage.
Everything is set up for a compelling final 45 minutes.
Portugal 1-1 Nigeria. Super Eagles find an equaliser
33 mins: Portugal win a free kick in a promising position, and Maduka Okoye produces a sharp reflex save to deny Bruno Fernandes. The Manchester United captain catches the volley cleanly, but Okoye reacts brilliantly to push the effort away and keep Nigeria in the contest.
34 mins: The resulting corner is delivered with real quality, and Cristiano Ronaldo rises highest – only to waste a rare opportunity. The all-time international scorer makes clean contact but guides his header just over the bar. A let-off for Nigeria.
Source: Getty Images
35 mins: Nigeria respond with intent, working possession into the Portugal half with purpose. Portugal eventually clear their lines and launch a quick transition of their own. Francisco Trincão lets fly from distance, but his effort rises narrowly over the bar, with the goalkeeper appearing to get the faintest touch before the referee signals a goal kick.
38 mins: GOAL! Nigeria draw level!
And it comes from a moment of hesitation at the back. A long clearance from Okoye causes confusion, and defensive uncertainty is ruthlessly punished. A slip from António Silva allows Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to pounce and slide a perfectly weighted pass into Akor Adams, who keeps his composure and fires through the legs of Diogo Costa. It’s 1-1, and Nigeria are right back in it.
40 min: Portugal will be disappointed with the scoreline, especially after going close on multiple occasions. But it counts for nothing. They have to now find a way to get past their counterparts from West Africa once again.
Pedro Neto scores as Portugal breaks the deadlock
23 mins: GOAL! Portugal take the lead!
A slick, incisive move sees João Neves release Diogo Dalot, who drives forward and squares for Pedro Neto inside the box. The Chelsea winger takes a touch onto his favoured left foot before drilling a low finish beyond Maduka Okoye. It’s Neto’s first goal in four months – timely and clinical.
25 mins: A cooling break follows almost immediately after the opener, offering both benches a chance to reset. The coaches use the pause to step out of their technical areas and deliver fresh tactical instructions.
28 mins: Referee Mateo Busquets restart proceedings, and Portugal pick up exactly where they left off – asserting control through sustained possession.
29 mins: Vitinha slides a clever pass into Dalot on the overlap once more, and the Manchester United full-back surges forward with intent. He tries to pick out a teammate in the box again, but Nigeria reads it well and intervenes. The move is then halted by the assistant’s flag for offside.
30 mins: Half an hour gone, and despite the breakthrough, this remains a tightly contested affair, with Nigeria still well in the game against the early favourites.
Nigeria keeps Portugal at bay
13 mins: The West Africans are growing into the contest with real confidence. Wilfred Ndidi tries his luck from distance, but his effort sails high over the bar and never troubles Diogo Costa.
15 mins: Nigeria’s attempt to work their way through the Portuguese defence breaks down at the final moment. Portugal break quickly on the counter, but a touch too many allow the opportunity to slip away.
16 mins: The Super Eagles transition with purpose once again. Moses Simon hesitates inside the box at a crucial moment, and Portugal recover just in time to clear out the danger after earlier dealing comfortably with the initial threat.
18 mins: Portugal are being made to work for every inch. Pedro Neto attempts to drive past his marker but is well marshalled and brought to a halt, underlining Nigeria’s growing defensive discipline.
20 mins: A tightly contested opening spell continues. Nigeria are more than matching their star-studded opponents, forcing Portugal’s build-up play backwards and denying them any sustained control in advanced areas.
Portugal vs Nigeria: Match starts
Hello and welcome to our live coverage as Portugal and Nigeria meet for the second time in four years.
Roberto Martínez’s side will be eager to build momentum and set the tone for what they hope will be a strong 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The referee, Mateo Busquets, gets us underway – and it is Portugal who kick off proceedings.
2 mins: Portugal begin brightly, circulating the ball with confidence. A long pass is sent in behind for Pedro Neto to chase, but Maduka Okoye is quick off his line to clear the danger. Moments later, a neat exchange involving Cristiano Ronaldo ends with the Al-Nassr star blazing his effort well over the bar.
3 mins: The reigning UEFA Nations League champions look settled early, dictating the tempo. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa shows real composure under pressure, calmly dribbling past the first wave of Nigeria’s press to relieve the tension.
5 mins: Nigeria are already making life difficult, closing passing lanes and forcing Portugal into safer, recycled possession as they struggle to find forward rhythm.
7 mins: A short corner routine from Nigeria creates a shooting opportunity for Calvin Bassey on the edge of the box, but his effort lacks power and is comfortably gathered by Costa in the Portugal goal.
8 mins: What a chance - and what a miss! Ronaldo is slipped through one-on-one by Nelson Semedo, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner drags his finish wide. A rare sight, and a let-off for Nigeria.
10 mins: Nigeria responds immediately. Akor Adams shows sharp footwork to work his way into the box, but his effort goes just off target as both sides continue to trade early openings.
