Portugal beat Nigeria 2–1 in final World Cup warm-up

Portugal beat Nigeria 2–1 in final World Cup tune-up

Your team got the job done in Leiria, but it was not exactly a performance to strike fear into the rest of the field. Francisco Conceição scored the winner as Portugal edged Nigeria 2–1 in their last friendly before the World Cup (1) (7).

Cristiano Ronaldo started but missed what sources described as an "unbelievable" chance, with some international outlets calling him "clumsy" and "frustrated" on the night (1) (5). Pedro Neto also featured and looked lively (4).

The result means two wins from two in the warm-up games. Neto said afterwards the squad is leaving with "good feelings" and urged the team to "embrace the dream" of winning the whole thing (4).

Francisco Conceição echoed that confidence, stating plainly: "We are prepared to give our best for Portugal at the World Cup" (6).

Fan dies before kick-off in Leiria

A Portugal supporter suffered a cardiac arrest outside Estádio Magalhães Pessoa before the match and was later pronounced dead at hospital. The Portuguese Football Federation released a statement saying it "profoundly regrets" the death and will dedicate the team's first World Cup victory to the fan's memory (2) (3).

Zaidu: "Portugal is my second country"

Nigeria and FC Porto player Zaidu had warm words for Portugal after the friendly. "Portugal is my second country, I hope they become world champions," he said (8). A small touch of class from a familiar face.

Fan reactions

The mood on Reddit is focused on club loyalties colliding with international duty – Chelsea fans were keeping tabs on Pedro Neto starting for Portugal while also noting Reece James in England's lineup on the same night. There is a quiet confidence about Neto's role heading into the tournament. See the thread