Former Super Eagles head coach Finidi George has voiced his opposition to the Nigeria Football Federation's decision to appoint Eric Chelle as head coach of both the Super Eagles and the national U-23 team, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Finidi argued that combining the two positions would place a heavy burden on the Malian tactician and could become a distraction from his primary responsibilities with the senior national team.

According to the former winger, the Olympic Eagles require a dedicated coach who can focus fully on the team's development, preparations, and qualification campaigns.

He stressed that managing the Super Eagles alone is already a demanding task, and adding responsibility for the U-23 side could affect efficiency and performance at both levels.

The Nigeria Football Federation recently entrusted Chelle with the dual role of overseeing both the senior national team and the Olympic Eagles, a decision that has sparked differing opinions among football stakeholders.

Finidi, who previously handled the Super Eagles on an interim basis, believes Nigerian football would benefit more from a separate coaching structure, particularly in ensuring proper attention is given to youth development and the progression of players through the national team ranks.

The former Ajax winger maintained that the U-23 side plays a crucial role in preparing future Super Eagles stars and should therefore have a coach solely committed to its objectives and long-term growth.

Nigeria may not be participating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the Super Eagles have still benefited from developments at the tournament, climbing two places in the live FIFA rankings, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The three-time African champions have moved from 26th to 24th position despite failing to qualify for the Mundial being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Nigeria’s rise has been aided by disappointing results recorded by several nations previously ranked above them, including Portugal, Senegal, Belgium, Algeria and Ecuador, all of whom have dropped valuable ranking points during the competition.

However, the Super Eagles' improved standing remains under threat as a number of countries continue to make significant gains through strong performances at the World Cup.

Australia are among the biggest movers, climbing to 25th in the live rankings. The Socceroos began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Türkiye before suffering a 2-0 defeat to co-hosts the United States. With qualification for the knockout stage still within reach, further positive results could see the Australians overtake Nigeria.

Egypt have also enjoyed an impressive tournament. The Pharaohs rose to 26th after securing a 1-1 draw against Belgium and claiming a historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand, their first-ever FIFA World Cup win.

Led by captain Mohamed Salah, Egypt currently sit top of Group G with four points from two matches and could gain further ranking points if they secure another positive result against Iran.

Norway have also made substantial progress, moving up to 27th in the live standings following victories over Iraq and Senegal. With star striker Erling Haaland leading the line, the Scandinavians remain well positioned to continue their upward trajectory.

Co-hosts Canada have likewise enjoyed a productive campaign. After drawing with Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Canadians recorded an emphatic 6-0 victory over Qatar, with Jonathan David netting a hat-trick to inspire his country's first-ever World Cup win.

The result propelled Canada to the top of Group B and lifted them to 28th in the live rankings.

Although Nigeria currently remain ahead of Australia, Egypt, Norway and Canada, continued success for those nations could narrow the gap significantly and potentially push the Super Eagles down the rankings as the tournament progresses.

Ghana have become only the second African nation to record six FIFA World Cup victories after a dramatic 1-0 win over Panama in their opening Group L match on Thursday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ghana national football team sealed all three points through a 95th-minute strike from Caleb Yirenkyi at the Toronto Stadium in Canada, breaking Panamanian resistance in stoppage time.

The decisive moment came deep into added time when Brandon Thomas-Asante drove down the left wing, beat his marker and delivered a low cross for Yirenkyi to tap into an empty net, securing a crucial opening win for the Black Stars.

The result moves Ghana to the top of Group L alongside England and also sees them equal the long-standing African record for World Cup wins previously held by Nigeria national football team.

Both Ghana and Nigeria now have six World Cup victories, with Ghana achieving the feat from 16 matches compared to Nigeria’s 21.

Cameroon sit just behind with five wins from 26 matches, while Morocco also have five victories and could surpass both nations depending on their ongoing 2026 campaign.

The achievement adds another chapter to Ghana’s World Cup history, which began in 2006 when they reached the Round of 16. They went further in 2010, reaching the quarter-finals in South Africa before a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Uruguay.

Nigeria, meanwhile, have featured in six World Cup tournaments since their debut in 1994 but have missed out on qualification for the 2026 edition, allowing rival African nations the opportunity to close the gap on their historical records.

The result highlights the growing competitiveness of African football on the global stage as teams continue to challenge traditional records at the World Cup.

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has called on his teammates and Nigerian football fans to remain positive and keep moving forward following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Speaking during a social media livestream, the Galatasaray forward broke his silence on Nigeria’s latest setback, describing the experience as painful but urging acceptance and progress.

“It’s bad, not just for me but for the rest of the guys. We’ve missed out twice in a row. Sometimes life happens, so we just have to keep moving,” Osimhen said.

The 2026 World Cup, which is currently underway, is the first edition expanded to 48 teams, with Africa allocated nine automatic qualification slots and an additional playoff route. Despite this increased opportunity, Nigeria failed to secure qualification, finishing second in their group before being eliminated by the Democratic Republic of Congo in the continental playoffs.

The result means the Super Eagles will miss a second consecutive World Cup, having last appeared at the tournament in 2018.

The disappointment is particularly significant given the quality within the current squad, which includes players such as Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

Much of Nigeria’s failure has been linked to instability in management during the qualifying campaign, which saw three different coaches handle various stages of the process. The lack of continuity was widely seen as a major factor in the team’s struggles.

However, there have been signs of progress under current head coach Eric Chelle, who has introduced a more structured tactical approach and helped restore some stability to the team.

Although several key players are expected to be in the latter stages of their careers by the time the next World Cup cycle arrives, there is growing belief that the Super Eagles can rebuild and mount a stronger qualification campaign under Chelle’s leadership.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has emphasised the intense competition within the national team, stating that players must consistently prove themselves to earn a place in the squad, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Franco-Malian tactician noted that Nigeria currently boasts quality options across every department, making team selection increasingly challenging for the coaching crew.

Speaking on the competition in central defence, Chelle pointed to the calibre of players already established in the squad.

“If you want to break into central defence, you have players like Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Igho Ogbu, Benjamin Frederick and Emmanuel Fernandez competing for places,” Chelle said.

The coach also highlighted the depth available in the full-back positions, where players such as Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi and Zaidu Sanusi continue to battle for starting roles alongside other emerging talents.

In midfield, Chelle reserved special praise for Alex Iwobi, describing the Fulham star as “a magician” and one of the most influential players in the current squad.

The former Mali coach was equally impressed by Nigeria’s attacking strength, singling out Victor Osimhen as the best striker in world football.

“You have to be better than these players to break into the team,” Chelle stated. “To be part of the Super Eagles, you must give everything, intensity, aggression and commitment. Every player must earn his place.”

Chelle’s comments reflect the growing depth and quality within the Super Eagles setup as Nigeria continues to build towards future international competitions and qualification campaigns.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has praised Alex Iwobi after the midfielder reached 100 international appearances for the Super Eagles during Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Portugal on Wednesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Reacting to Nigeria’s official post celebrating the milestone, CAF simply described the Fulham midfielder as “Iconic.”

Alex Iwobi reached the landmark at the Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, becoming only the fourth Nigerian player to hit a century of caps for the national team.

He now joins an elite group alongside Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa, ranking among the most-capped players in Super Eagles history.

Despite Nigeria’s defeat, Iwobi delivered a composed midfield performance in a match where Portugal secured victory through goals from Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição, after Akor Adams had briefly levelled for the Super Eagles.

The result also ended head coach Éric Chelle’s impressive 25-match unbeaten run in regulation time since taking charge of the team.

Speaking after reaching the milestone, Iwobi expressed pride in his international journey, reflecting on his decision to represent Nigeria after previously featuring for England at youth level.

He also acknowledged missing out on major trophies such as the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup qualification but insisted he has no regrets about his international career choice.

Since making his debut in 2015, Iwobi has remained a consistent figure in the national team setup, contributing across multiple AFCON tournaments, including Nigeria’s run to the 2023 final.

With his 100-cap achievement, the midfielder is now firmly established among the Super Eagles’ all-time greats and could climb further up the appearance chart in the coming years.

The Super Eagles have maintained their 26th position in the latest FIFA Men's World Rankings released on Thursday by FIFA, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Nigeria remained unchanged in the global standings despite a mixed run of results during the ranking period.

The three-time African champions recorded impressive victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica, defeating the Warriors 2-0 before claiming a convincing 3-0 win over the Reggae Boyz to successfully defend their Unity Cup title in England.

The Super Eagles also featured in two international friendlies in June. Eric Chelle's side battled to a 2-2 draw against Poland in Warsaw before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Portugal in Lisbon.

Despite those performances, Nigeria did not move up the rankings but retained their status as Africa's third-highest ranked national team behind Morocco and Senegal.

Algeria and Egypt complete the continent's top five ranked teams.

On the global stage, world champions Argentina remain at the summit of the rankings, ahead of Spain, France, England and Portugal, with the top five positions unchanged.

The Super Eagles will be hoping to improve their standing in future editions as they continue preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers under head coach Eric Chelle.

FIFA confirmed that the next edition of the Men's World Rankings will be published on July 20, 2026.

Nigerian football legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has been honoured with the FIFA World Cup Superior Player of the Match Winner award for his outstanding performance in Nigeria's historic victory over Spain at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Okocha played a pivotal role as the Super Eagles stunned one of the tournament favourites 3-2 in their opening Group D fixture in France. His dazzling dribbling skills, creativity and influence in midfield inspired Nigeria to one of the most memorable victories in the nation's football history.

The former Super Eagles captain was at the centre of Nigeria's remarkable comeback after Spain had taken the lead, with goals from Mutiu Adepoju, Garba Lawal and a late own goal by Andoni Zubizarreta securing a famous triumph for the African side.

Okocha's performance throughout the encounter showcased the immense talent that made him one of the most admired footballers of his generation, as he repeatedly troubled the Spanish defence with his flair, vision and technical brilliance.

The 3-2 victory over Spain remains one of Nigeria's greatest achievements on the world stage and is widely regarded as one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history.

This latest recognition further underlines Okocha's enduring legacy in global football and serves as a reminder of the crucial role he played in elevating Nigerian football on the international stage.

More than two decades after that unforgettable night in France, Okocha continues to be celebrated as one of Africa's greatest-ever players and a true icon of the Super Eagles.

Super Eagles defender Bruno Onyemaechi was the lucky Nigerian player to receive the match-worn jersey of Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo following Wednesday night's international friendly, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Portuguese superstar exchanged shirts with Onyemaechi after the entertaining encounter, handing the Nigerian defender a memorable souvenir from the high-profile fixture.

Ronaldo's jerseys are regarded among the most valuable pieces of football memorabilia in the world, with some of his match-worn shirts reportedly worth more than ?55 million due to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's iconic status and immense global popularity.

For Onyemaechi, receiving the shirt of one of football's greatest-ever players represents a special career moment and a treasured memento from sharing the pitch with the Portuguese legend.

The defender featured as the Super Eagles produced a spirited display against Portugal despite suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat in Leiria.

Nigeria matched the World Cup-bound Europeans for long spells of the contest and earned plaudits for their resilience and attacking intent against one of the strongest teams in international football.

The shirt exchange capped a memorable evening for Onyemaechi, who will undoubtedly cherish the jersey as a reminder of facing one of the game's most celebrated figures on the international stage.

Former Nigerian international Dimeji Lawal has praised Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye for his impressive display in Nigeria’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal in Wednesday’s international friendly, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Udinese shot-stopper produced several outstanding saves at the Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, helping to keep the Super Eagles in the contest against a star-studded Portuguese side.

Portugal took the lead in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto finished expertly into the bottom-right corner after connecting with a cutback from Diogo Dalot.

The hosts nearly doubled their advantage shortly afterwards, but Okoye came to Nigeria’s rescue with a brilliant save, tipping Bruno Fernandes’ powerful volley over the crossbar.

Nigeria fought back and restored parity eight minutes before half-time through Akor Adams, who showed composure and quality to beat his marker before slotting the ball into the far corner.

However, Francisco Conceição struck in the 75th minute to hand Portugal victory after the Super Eagles had battled their way back into the game.

Speaking after the encounter, Lawal singled out Okoye for special praise, insisting the goalkeeper was one of Nigeria’s standout performers on the night.

“Okoye had an excellent performance against Portugal,” Lawal told Completesports.com.

“I was really impressed with some of the brilliant saves he made to prevent the scoreline from going beyond 2-1.

“He was calm and calculative with his movement. This performance is better than the game against Poland.

“Besides, the two goals he conceded were never his fault and could have beaten any goalkeeper as well.”

Okoye’s display will come as a major boost for head coach Eric Chelle as the Super Eagles continue preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers following a productive international window.

Akor Adams was on target for the Super Eagles, but it was not enough to prevent Nigeria from suffering a 2-1 defeat to Portugal in Wednesday’s international friendly in Leiria, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Goals from Pedro Neto and substitute Francisco Conceição secured victory for the hosts, while Adams grabbed Nigeria’s only goal in an entertaining contest.

The result means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two nations, having also recorded a 4-0 victory in their first-ever clash in 2022.

Before kick-off, Alex Iwobi was presented with a commemorative frame to mark his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles.

Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez named a strong starting line-up featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Dias, Diogo Dalot, João Neves and Vitinha.

For Nigeria, Eric Chelle handed a debut to Christian Akpan, while Maduka Okoye started in goal behind a back four of Akpan, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi. Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Tochukwu Nnadi operated in midfield, with Adams, Moses Simon and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru leading the attack.

Ronaldo had the first sight of goal after just two minutes but dragged his effort wide.

Nigeria responded in the seventh minute when Onyemaechi tested the Portuguese goalkeeper with a low drive from outside the box.

Moments later, Ronaldo was presented with a golden opportunity after breaking through on goal, but Okoye stood firm to deny the veteran forward.

The Super Eagles nearly opened the scoring themselves shortly afterwards, but Adams saw his left-footed strike drift narrowly wide.

Portugal eventually broke the deadlock midway through the first half when Neto latched onto Dalot’s pass inside the box before firing a low shot beyond Okoye.

Bruno Fernandes almost doubled the lead on 33 minutes, but Okoye produced a fine save to tip his effort away for a corner.

The hosts continued to threaten, with Trincão also going close before Nigeria found an equaliser in the 37th minute.

Adams calmly collected a pass from Dele-Bashiru and drilled a low effort through the goalkeeper’s legs to level proceedings.

Portugal made several changes at the start of the second half, introducing Bernardo Silva, João Félix, João Cancelo and Conceição.

The hosts dominated possession after the restart, but Nigeria remained organised and difficult to break down.

Ronaldo squandered another excellent opportunity in the 49th minute after meeting a dangerous cross from Nuno Mendes, blazing his effort off target with only Okoye to beat.

Just after the hour mark, Ndidi produced a crucial interception to deny Conceição from close range.

Chelle responded with a series of substitutions, introducing Abdullahi Bewene, Zaidu Sanusi, Terem Moffi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika.

However, Portugal regained the lead with 15 minutes remaining when Conceição cut inside and rifled a low strike beyond Okoye.

The Super Eagles continued to push for another equaliser, with Emmanuel Fernandez, Paul Onuachu and Philip Otele all introduced in the closing stages.

João Félix nearly added a third goal for Portugal on 82 minutes, but Bewene's intervention allowed Okoye to gather safely.

The Nigerian goalkeeper was called into action again moments later, producing a brilliant point-blank save to keep his side within reach.

Late on, substitute Samuel Chukwueze threatened to break through on goal, but Portugal's recovering defenders quickly snuffed out the danger as the hosts held on for victory.

Despite the defeat, Chelle's side delivered another encouraging performance against top-class opposition as preparations continue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has described Wednesday’s international friendly against Portugal as a valuable test for Nigeria’s ongoing development under head coach Éric Chelle, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Super Eagles head into the clash in strong form, having recorded four wins and two draws in their last six matches, with just one regulation-time defeat in 24 games since Chelle took charge in January 2025.

Despite acknowledging the quality of the Portuguese side, Ndidi insisted Nigeria are ready for the challenge and sees the fixture as an important measure of the team’s progress.

“It will be a very good test for us; we faced the first test against Poland, and Portugal is a great team with great players as well,” Ndidi said. “It will be a massive test for us as a group, to our vision, to our aim as a team, to our growth.”

The Be?ikta? midfielder also praised Chelle for the positive transformation within the squad, highlighting improved unity and team spirit.

“He is a very good manager, an amazing guy. The way he brings the team together is really good because everyone is happy to have him around,” he said.

Ndidi stressed that the current Super Eagles setup is focused on long-term progress despite the disappointment of missing out on recent FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns.

“Missing out on the World Cup is really sad, but the aim is not to keep thinking about the past, but to look forward to the future,” he added. “We have a good mindset now, which is very positive going forward. We are not perfect, but we are improving every day.”

He further noted that facing top-level opposition like Portugal is essential for growth, saying the team must continue testing itself against elite nations.

“We don’t care who we are playing against, even the biggest countries in the world. The most important thing is that we are ready to win and keep improving,” Ndidi stated.

The Super Eagles captain concluded that the focus remains on building a stronger team capable of consistently qualifying for major tournaments and competing at the highest level.

Few milestones in football speak louder than 100 international caps, and for Nigeria, only a select group of players have reached that elite mark — each leaving a distinct imprint on the Super Eagles’ identity across different generations.

From defensive solidity to goalkeeping brilliance and attacking leadership, Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama, Ahmed Musa, and Alex Iwobi represent four eras of consistency, longevity, and national service.

Joseph Yobo - The Defensive Pillar (100 caps, 2001-2014)

Joseph Yobo remains one of Nigeria’s most iconic defenders and the first player to reach 100 caps for the Super Eagles. A commanding centre-back born in Rivers State, Yobo made his debut in 2001 and quickly became the backbone of Nigeria’s defence for over a decade.

He represented Nigeria at three FIFA World Cups (2002, 2010, 2014) and six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, captaining the team to AFCON glory in 2013 in South Africa. His 100th appearance came at the 2014 World Cup against France, marking the end of a distinguished 13-year international career.

Vincent Enyeama - The Wall Between the Posts (101 caps, 2002-2015)

Vincent Enyeama stands as one of Africa’s greatest goalkeepers, widely regarded for his reflexes, leadership, and consistency. Making his debut in 2002, he became Nigeria’s undisputed number one for over a decade.

He featured at three World Cups and six AFCON tournaments, playing a key role in Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON triumph where he was named best goalkeeper of the tournament. He reached his 100th cap in 2015 before retiring later that year with 101 appearances.

Ahmed Musa - Nigeria’s Record Appearance Maker (111 caps, 2010-2025)

Ahmed Musa holds the record as Nigeria’s most capped player, with 111 appearances spanning 15 years. Known for his blistering pace and big-match temperament, Musa made his debut in 2010 and became one of the team’s most dependable attackers.

He starred at multiple major tournaments, including the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, and scored a memorable brace against Iceland in Russia. Musa also played key roles in Nigeria’s AFCON campaigns, winning the 2013 title and later adding bronze and silver medals in 2019 and 2023, respectively.

Alex Iwobi - The Modern Centurion in Waiting (99 caps, 2015-present)

Alex Iwobi is on the brink of joining the elite 100-cap club, having already accumulated 99 appearances for Nigeria since his debut in 2015.

Born in England but choosing Nigeria at senior level, Iwobi has grown into a reliable midfield figure known for his intelligence and versatility. He has featured at multiple AFCON tournaments, winning silver in 2023 and bronze in 2019 and 2025.

His most iconic contribution remains his decisive goal against Zambia in 2017, which secured Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

A Legacy of Longevity and Loyalty

Together, these four players represent different generations of Nigerian football — from Yobo’s defensive leadership to Enyeama’s goalkeeping excellence, Musa’s attacking longevity, and Iwobi’s modern midfield influence.

Their stories underline one shared truth: reaching 100 caps for Nigeria is not just a statistic, but a testament to endurance, consistency, and national pride.

-Punch

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has underlined his team’s confidence ahead of Nigeria’s high-profile international friendly against Portugal national football team in Leiria on Wednesday.

The fixture will serve as an important test for both sides as they fine-tune preparations and evaluate tactical options ahead of upcoming competitive matches.

Chelle dismissed any suggestion that Nigeria would approach the encounter as underdogs, insisting that the Super Eagles have enough quality to compete at the highest level.

“We are not a small opponent. We come into the game with our strengths and weaknesses,” he said.

The Malian tactician stressed that his focus remains on developing his team’s identity rather than comparisons with their European opponents.

“This is not a question of who is the best team. I'm only thinking about our style and our philosophy,” he added.

He also expressed optimism about the spectacle the match could provide for fans, describing it as a valuable opportunity for both teams.

“It would be a great game,” Chelle concluded.

The Super Eagles head into the clash looking to build on recent positive results, as Chelle continues to shape a competitive squad ahead of future international assignments and qualification campaigns.

Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has described Nigeria's Super Eagles as a difficult and tactically flexible opponent ahead of Wednesday night's international friendly, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Seleção das Quinas will host the three-time African champions at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa as part of their final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The fixture holds added importance for Portugal, who are scheduled to face Democratic Republic of the Congo during the group stage of the tournament.

Martínez believes the clash with Nigeria will provide his side with an ideal opportunity to prepare for the unique challenges posed by African opposition.

“Against Nigeria, we have an opportunity to work on aspects that are similar to the strengths that Congo also has. It's a different African team, with a lot of tactical flexibility. It's a demanding opponent, it's another test to prepare our group,” Martínez told Portuguese outlet O Jogo.

The former Belgium coach also explained his approach to team selection ahead of the encounter, stressing that player fitness and readiness for the World Cup remain his primary concerns.

“No. In the first game, there weren't five or six players, plus Diogo Costa. We continue, it's the last preparation game before the World Cup, but our focus is individual, trying to recover and give minutes to the players who need it,” he said.

“Our first objective is to get the players on the plane to Miami prepared for the World Cup. That's the number one objective. We want to win. In football, you need to expect the unexpected, it happened against Chile. We had total control in the first half, then with a red card, playing 10 against 10, we achieved a good result, but we have aspects that we need to improve.”

Nigeria head into the contest in good form under Éric Chelle, having successfully defended the Unity Cup before earning a 2-2 draw against Poland in Warsaw.

The Super Eagles will be looking to continue their impressive run and secure another positive result against one of Europe's strongest national teams as preparations continue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nigeria's Super Eagles continued their preparations for Tuesday's international friendly against Portugal with a second training session in Lisbon on Sunday, as head coach Éric Chelle intensified work with his squad ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

A total of 22 players participated in the two-hour training session, which began at 5:00 p.m. and concluded at 7:00 p.m., with the coaching crew focusing on tactical drills and match preparations ahead of the clash with the European giants.

However, there is concern over the fitness of defender Igoh Ogbu, who is scheduled to undergo a medical scan in Lisbon on Monday after sustaining an injury.

The outcome of the examination will determine whether the centre-back will be available for selection against Portugal.

The Super Eagles head into the friendly in positive spirits following last week's 2-2 draw with Poland, a performance that came shortly after Nigeria successfully defended the Unity Cup title.

Chelle and his technical crew are expected to use the Portugal fixture as another opportunity to assess players, strengthen team chemistry and fine-tune tactical plans ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Nigeria will take on Portugal on June 10 in what is expected to be one of the Super Eagles' toughest tests in the current international window.

The match will provide another valuable benchmark for the three-time African champions as they continue building momentum and shaping the squad for future competitive assignments.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to feature in his country's international friendly against Nigeria after reportedly making himself available for selection ahead of the highly anticipated clash in Lisbon, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The veteran forward had initially been tipped to miss the encounter as part of efforts to carefully manage his workload ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Portugal's coaching staff were believed to be considering additional rest for the 41-year-old following a demanding season to ensure he arrives at the tournament in peak condition.

However, fresh reports indicate that Ronaldo has informed Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez of his readiness to play against the Super Eagles, potentially paving the way for his inclusion in the squad for the June 10 fixture.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner could also be named in the starting lineup as Portugal conclude their preparations for the global showpiece.

The friendly is expected to serve as Portugal's final test before the World Cup and offers Martínez another opportunity to assess his side against one of Africa's traditional football powerhouses.

For Nigeria, the possibility of facing one of football's greatest-ever players adds further excitement to an already high-profile fixture.

The Super Eagles head into the game in strong form after a productive international window. Nigeria successfully defended the Unity Cup title, defeating Zimbabwe 2-0 in the semi-finals before overcoming Jamaica 3-0 in the final.

Éric Chelle's side then extended their unbeaten run with a 2-2 draw against Poland in Warsaw, a contest in which the Super Eagles twice led before settling for a share of the spoils.

Since taking charge of the national team, Éric Chelle has overseen a steady improvement in performances, with Nigeria remaining unbeaten in regulation time under his leadership.

The meeting with Portugal is expected to provide another important benchmark for the Super Eagles as they continue preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Should Ronaldo feature, the match would mark his first senior international appearance against Nigeria, adding further significance to the occasion.

His participation is also expected to attract global attention, with football fans eager to see how the Super Eagles fare against a Portugal side led by one of the game's most prolific goalscorers and enduring icons.

Nigeria’s preparations in Portugal received a major boost following the arrival of midfielder Alex Iwobi and Genk defender Christian Akpan in Lisbon, as the Super Eagles stepped up training ahead of their international friendly against Portugal, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

A total of 19 players travelled from Poland to Portugal after Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Poland, with head coach Éric Chelle continuing to fine-tune his squad ahead of upcoming assignments.

The latest arrivals have strengthened the team’s options in both midfield and defence, while Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is expected to join the camp on Friday, bringing the squad closer to full strength.

However, striker Rafiu Durosinmi did not make the trip to Portugal after being granted permission to attend to private matters.

With the addition of Iwobi and Akpan, the coaching crew now have more flexibility as preparations intensify in Lisbon ahead of Saturday’s friendly encounter.

The training camp is expected to provide valuable time for the players to build chemistry, improve match fitness and further adapt to Chelle’s tactical approach as Nigeria continues preparations for future competitive fixtures.

The Super Eagles will take on Portugal in an international friendly on Saturday, June 10, with the match serving as another important test following their successful Unity Cup campaign.

Nigeria head into the fixture in high spirits after retaining the Unity Cup title and earning a creditable draw against Poland earlier this week.

The three-time African champions are using the friendly matches to prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Chelle expected to assess several players before the start of the qualification campaign.

Nigeria international Chidera Ejuke has emerged as a transfer target for Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen ahead of the summer transfer window, with the winger increasingly expected to leave Sevilla after a difficult campaign, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ejuke endured a frustrating season with the Spanish club, managing just one goal and one assist in 29 La Liga appearances as Sevilla struggled throughout the campaign.

According to reports, several Premier League clubs are also monitoring the 28-year-old, but Bayer Leverkusen are currently leading the chase for his signature as they look to strengthen their attacking options.

The former CSKA Moscow winger joined Sevilla on a free transfer in 2024 and is currently valued at €4 million. A move away from the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium could provide the Nigerian with a fresh start after two challenging seasons in Spain.

With only one year remaining on his contract, Sevilla are reportedly keen to sell Ejuke this summer rather than risk losing him on a free transfer at the end of next season.

The Andalusian club is under pressure to generate funds as they continue to navigate La Liga's financial regulations, making player sales a key part of their transfer strategy.

Ejuke is not the only Nigerian whose future remains uncertain at Sevilla, with fellow Super Eagles forward Akor Adams also attracting transfer interest as the club looks to balance its finances.

Sevilla narrowly avoided relegation last season, finishing 17th in the La Liga standings after a disappointing campaign, and are expected to undergo significant squad changes in the coming months.

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has described Nigeria’s international friendly against Poland as a valuable opportunity to assess his squad and fine-tune tactical plans ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Nigeria will take on the Poles in Warsaw on Wednesday, with Chelle viewing the encounter as an important test against quality European opposition as the team continues its rebuilding process.

The Malian tactician admitted the Super Eagles are disappointed after missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but insisted the focus must now shift to future objectives.

“We’re sad we’re not going to the World Cup, but that’s life,” Chelle said.

“We have to focus on our vision and strengths.”

Chelle also stressed that the friendly provides an ideal platform to experiment with different tactical approaches while evaluating the players available to him.

“The match against Poland, which is a difficult opponent, is a good opportunity to test a few different approaches,” he added.

The Super Eagles head into the game in a confident mood after their recent Unity Cup triumph and will be aiming to build further momentum ahead of the AFCON qualifying campaign, which is scheduled to begin later this year.

The friendly is expected to give Chelle and his coaching staff a clearer picture of the squad's readiness as Nigeria targets a successful qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.