Portugal vs. Nigeria: Former Besiktas star reveals the secret to stopping Ronaldo and co

The three-time Afcon winners will aim for an outright victory when they lock horns with the former European champions

Former Besiktas goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu has backed Nigeria to claim a memorable win over Portugal in the international friendly match against the Selecao on Thursday.

Parading notable stars like Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Man United duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, Portugal will be big favourites to brush aside the Super Eagles in Lisbon.

But former Super Eagles shot-stopper Ike Shorunmu is confident that Nigeria can upset the odds and stun the 1966 World Cup bronze medallists at a sold-out Estádio José Alvalade.

The secret, however, lies in stopping Ronaldo and Fernandes from causing maximum damage in the attack.

A problem, Shorunmu insists, the Nigerian defence can handle with little stress.

“This game will be definitely an exciting game for the Super Eagles considering the fact that they will be playing against a Ronaldo-led side,” Shorunmu told Complete Sports.

“I really don’t think the duo of Ronaldo and Fernandes will be a threat to the Super Eagles because we have players who are capable of keeping them quiet.”

The game between Portugal and Nigeria is the first ever between the two countries at the international level.