Portugal edges Nigeria 2-1 in final World Cup tune-up as Martínez rotates all 26 players

Portugal closed its World Cup preparation with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night, completing a two-match sweep that saw all 26 squad members take the field. The result was less important than the exercise itself: Roberto Martínez used the fixture to simulate the physical, transition-heavy style he expects from Group K opener Congo, while managing minutes for a squad still shaking off club-season fatigue.

The match

Pedro Neto opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, finishing a move that began with Trincão and ran through Diogo Dalot on the right flank. Nigeria responded before the break when a defensive misstep allowed Dele-Bashiru to find Akor Adams, who levelled past Diogo Costa at the 37-minute mark. The second half belonged to Francisco Conceição, whose solo effort in the 75th minute proved decisive.

“The goal for the World Cup is to win, we have to go game by game, the dream is there and that is the mentality. I think we have to accept that dream, the Portuguese know what we have inside the team and we have to believe until the end.”

Martínez's rotation plan

The Spanish coach made nine substitutions at the interval, keeping only Diogo Costa and Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch. Ronaldo had a pre-agreed plan of 45 to 60 minutes and was withdrawn on schedule. Nuno Mendes and Gonçalo Ramos were capped at 30 minutes each, while Vitinha and João Neves played 45. Matheus Nunes, unavailable for the first friendly, made his return.

“Today Diogo Costa had a 90-minute plan and Cristiano had a 45 to 60 minute plan. That is what we achieved. Nuno Mendes was also for 30, as was Gonçalo Ramos. Vitinha and João Neves with 45.”

Martínez described the fixture as a test against an opponent whose physical profile and attacking directness mirror Congo. He noted that Nigeria did not register a single shot on target in the second half after Portugal tightened its control.

“The idea is not to win 5-0, it is not to play a brilliant match, it is to have a difficult opponent against whom we could test some aspects.”

What comes next

Portugal flies to the United States for a final acclimatisation block before its Group K opener against Congo on 17 June. Uzbekistan and Colombia complete the group. Martínez said the squad is now more complete in the aspects required for those three fixtures and that the players are recharged after a rest period.

“We worked on different ideas. Now we are more complete in the aspects we need for the three matches. We are prepared to face Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia. The start of the season is not the end of the season for our players.”

Nigeria's perspective

Nigeria, which did not qualify for the 2026 tournament, used the match as a developmental test. Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi acknowledged Portugal's strength and noted the improvement from a 4-0 defeat four years ago. He also voiced support for his adopted country's World Cup campaign.

“The first half was very difficult for us, but we managed to control it a bit. Portugal is very strong. Four years ago we conceded four goals, now we conceded fewer, which was good. I don't know how far they will go in the World Cup, but Portugal is my second country. I hope they become world champions.”

Squad depth on display

Across two friendlies, Martínez deployed all 26 players in his provisional squad. The nine-substitute halftime refresh against Nigeria demonstrated the synchronisation he has been demanding in training. Francisco Conceição, whose goal settled the match, said every player in the squad is focused on earning minutes and contributing when called upon.

“I think that all of us who were called up, the goal is always to play, always to help the national team on the pitch. That is what I try to do, help my teammates and help the national team win matches. I am happy for the goal, but we are also happy for the victory, because it is always important to prepare for the World Cup by winning.”