Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has disclosed that his side will adopt an experimental approach when they face Nigeria in Wednesday night's international friendly in Leiria, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Belgium national team boss has described the match against the three-time African champions as an important final test before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The game at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa kicks off at 8:45 PM Nigerian time and represents Portugal's last outing before departing for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. With their World Cup campaign set to begin against DR Congo on June 17, Martinez wants every player in his squad to be physically and mentally ready for the challenge ahead.
Although veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to feature, the Portuguese coach has made it clear that the encounter with Eric Chelle's Super Eagles will be used to spread minutes across his entire squad.
“The idea is to make eleven substitutions and try to ensure everyone gets some playing time,” Martinez explained ahead of the fixture.
“For five or six of our players it will be their first game. The focus is still on the individual and to give minutes to those that need it. Our number one priority is to get the players on the plane ready for the World Cup. Portugal's strength lies in everyone's commitment. The responsibility is to prepare the players to help the team. To use their talent to win.”
Portugal arrive for the match with a strong squad that includes Paris Saint-Germain quartet Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Vitinha and Gonçalo Ramos, all of whom recently completed their club commitments. Matheus Nunes has recovered from illness, while Rafael Leão is unavailable after receiving a red card during Portugal's 2-1 friendly victory over Chile.
A new-look Nigeria, meanwhile, enter the contest after a 2-2 draw against Poland and are expected to rotate several positions. The Super Eagles are without key attacking stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, while midfielder Alex Iwobi is set to receive special recognition before kick-off as he reaches the milestone of 100 senior international appearances for Nigeria.
The fixture will be only the second senior meeting between Portugal and Nigeria. Their previous encounter came in November 2022 when Portugal recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in another international friendly.
Nigeria seen as ideal World Cup preparation for ageless Ronaldo and mates
Martinez believes the Super Eagles will provide the type of challenge Portugal can expect when they face DR Congo in their opening World Cup group match.
The former Wigan manager explained that Nigeria's physicality, athleticism and quality make them ideal opponents for fine-tuning tactical plans before the tournament begins.
“We have an opportunity to work on aspects that are similar to what we'll face against Congo,” Martinez said.
“It's a group of very talented players. We have the structure and discipline to win every game. The statistics speak for themselves: goals, victories… Total commitment to pressing high up the pitch and defending quickly – that's the style, the result of 15 years of work in Portuguese youth football. As for tactics, I already said on the first day. The idea is to have tactical flexibility to adapt individual talent within the team's structure.”
Alongside tactical discussions, Martinez was also asked about Cristiano Ronaldo's future. The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward is preparing for what would be a record sixth FIFA World Cup appearance, leading to speculation that the Nigeria match could be one of his final appearances on Portuguese soil.
However, Martinez firmly rejected suggestions that Ronaldo is treating the occasion as a farewell.
“Our captain sets an example in everything he does,” Martinez said.
“He gives his all, 24 hours a day, to help the national team. Our captain and the rest of the players are not thinking about the future. We don't know what can happen in the future because they can get injured and there are decisions that are out of their hands.”
The Portugal coach also highlighted the mentality that has allowed Ronaldo to remain at the highest level despite turning 41 earlier this year.
“The focus is on training, being the best, putting the concepts into practice and showing pride in wearing the shirt,” the Spaniard continued. “That's the example he sets. His sole aim is to use it for tomorrow to improve.”
Ronaldo heads into the match as men's international football's all-time appearance leader with 227 caps and its leading goalscorer with 143 goals. On Wednesday night, he is expected to once again lead Portugal's preparations for another World Cup challenge, while Nigeria seek to show they can trouble one of the tournament favourites under Chelle's evolving Super Eagles project.
