Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has expressed confidence that his team is fully prepared for their upcoming friendly match against Portugal. The game, set to take place at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday, represents a valuable opportunity for the Nigerian squad to measure themselves against world-class opposition.
Chelle highlighted that Portugal is a top-tier team that could potentially be crowned world champions, making this encounter a significant test. “Playing against a team of this caliber is a great experience for us. They have many elite players, and we are delighted to have this chance,” he stated during the pre-match press conference.
Portugal will use this friendly as their final preparation before heading to Miami for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles, who have not lost in their last six matches, are eager to maintain their unbeaten run despite facing a formidable opponent.
Regarding the previous meeting between the two sides in 2022, which ended in a 4-0 defeat for Nigeria, Chelle emphasized that his focus remains on the present. “I concentrate on my players, our philosophy, and how we want to play. The past is not relevant to this game,” he added.
The Malian coach expressed optimism that his squad can rise to the occasion and deliver a competitive performance against the Portuguese side.