Portugal national team coach Roberto Martinez says his side is preparing for a tough and demanding friendly match against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
The European team will face the three-time African champions at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night, in a game seen as an important test ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Portugal will use the match to prepare for their group stage clash against DR Congo, another African side, and Martinez believes Nigeria will give them a strong challenge.
The coach described the Super Eagles as a highly flexible team with strong tactical ability, saying they will help his squad understand the kind of pressure they may face at the World Cup.
He also noted that Eric Chelle’s team will provide a different but valuable style of play that will test Portugal in key areas.
“Against Nigeria, we have the chance to work on things similar to the strengths Congo also brings. It’s a different African team with a lot of tactical flexibility. It is a demanding opponent and another important test for our group,” Martinez was quoted as saying by Portuguese outlet O Jogo.