The two continental giants will slug it out for pride and honour in Lisbon on Thursday
Nigeria’s ambassador to Portugal, Alex Kefas has tipped the Super Eagles to emerge victorious when they trade tackles with a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Portugal in an international friendly match on Thursday, November 17.
2016 European champions Portugal will be favourites to claim a win at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon before jetting out to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
With Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo, AC Milan’s Leao, and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, Portugal have special talents all over the pitch, especially in attack.
But the Super Eagles are not without their excellent players.
Lorient forward Terem Moffi is one of the finest forwards in France, while KRC Genk marksman Paul Onuachu is the top goalscorer in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League.
What has been said?
And ambassador Alex Kefas has expressed confidence in the capacity of the Super Eagles to upset the odds and shoot down the Selecao.
“I’m happy to see a very powerful squad,” Kefas said, as per NFF TV, during a visit to the team camp.
“I have seen the list earlier so I went through the list one after the other I was so impressed that this is a very powerful squad and I’m sure you are going to win this match.
“Let me also let you know that this is the first time that we are going to have our national team play Portugal. So since we established our diplomatic relationship with Portugal 48 years ago, so this is going to be a special match not only for Portugal but also for our country.
“And I’m happy that the coach himself is from Portugal, so this game you have to win. It is important we redeem our name, our image and also for the coach.
“Some of you must have been aware that our president was here in June and July and that was the first time a Nigerian president visited Portugal on a state visit since 48 years ago.
“And during the visit, I want to let you know that one of the agreements signed between Nigeria and Portugal was on youth and sports. The Sports Minister was here, and this agreement is to further promote our relationship.
“I told the Portuguese ambassador that Nigeria will win 2-0, so I am confident we will do that. So please do your best; I wish you good luck, good health, and thank you very much.”
Drawn in Group H alongside Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea, Portugal will kick off their World Cup campaign against the Black Stars on November 24.
