- Nigeria Friendly Will Not Decide World Cup Starting XI – Portugal Coach
- Portugal focus on full squad preparation ahead of 2026 tournament
- Super Eagles enter match unbeaten in 11 regulation-time games
Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has said Wednesday’s international friendly against Nigeria will not influence his starting line-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener.
Martínez stressed that his priority is to ensure all players in his squad are fully prepared for the tournament, rather than focusing on the Group game against DR Congo.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Portugal have now been boosted by the arrival of Paris Saint-Germain quartet Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves and Gonçalo Ramos. Midfielder Matheus Nunes is also expected to return to full training after missing the 2-1 win over Chile due to fitness issues, while João Félix remains in contention to feature against the Super Eagles.
Speaking after the victory over Chile, Martínez dismissed claims that the Nigeria friendly would shape his World Cup selection plans.
“No, no. We now have the four PSG players arriving, along with Matheus Nunes, and we expect to have all 26 or 27 players ready for the second game. We continue with individual preparation,” he said.
“Francisco Trincão did not play because the red card situation varies based on how we concluded the game, but the goal is to prepare all players to be ready for the World Cup and not solely for the first match.”
Portugal will begin their World Cup campaign against DR Congo at Houston’s NRG Stadium on June 17.
Defender Nélson Semedo also highlighted the importance of the Nigeria friendly, saying it offers the coaching team a chance to test tactical ideas ahead of the tournament.
Semedo featured in the first half of Portugal’s win over Chile, where Gonçalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes scored.
He said the match against Nigeria would help the team refine different approaches before the World Cup begins.
“Certainly, that is the purpose of these matches. We have a game against Nigeria now, and this presents a chance to develop new dynamics,” Semedo told RTP, according to Record.
“We are professionals, and I am confident that we can adhere to the coach’s concepts, regardless of what they entail.”
The friendly between Portugal and Nigeria will take place at the Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday, with kick-off scheduled for 8:45pm local time.
The Super Eagles head into the encounter in strong form, having gone 11 matches unbeaten in regulation time, with eight wins and three draws.
