Portugal Stars Call Nigeria Friendly ‘Crucial’ for World Cup Prep -

Portugal defenders Ruben Dias and Jose Sá say their upcoming friendly against Nigeria is a key part of their final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The match will hold next Wednesday at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria. It marks the second meeting between the two sides in four years, after Portugal’s 4-0 win in November 2022. Dias played the first half of that game, while Sá was an unused substitute for Wolves at the time.

Portugal are using the games against Chile and Nigeria to sharpen tactics and squad cohesion before their World Cup opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo. DR Congo qualified by edging the Super Eagles in the final of the African playoffs.

Speaking to A Bola, Sá stressed that both warm-up matches will be vital for the squad’s readiness. “These will be two very important games against Chile and Nigeria to prepare for the World Cup. We are focused on giving our best and preparing well for the first game in the competition,” he said.

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Dias, set for his third World Cup with Portugal, echoed the sentiment and highlighted the unpredictability of the tournament. When asked about the value of facing Chile and Nigeria, he said, “Yes, they will be extremely important.

This is my third World Cup and I have already experienced firsthand, in various and different circumstances, the difficulty of playing against anyone in the World Cup.”

Portugal will face Uzbekistan, Colombia, and DR Congo in Group K at the 2026 World Cup.