CHELLE AND MARTÍNEZ ALIGN ON INTENT AS NIGERIA FACE PORTUGAL IN LEIRIA FRIENDLY.

Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle and Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez have both
emphasised preparation over result ahead of Wednesday’s international friendly
between Nigeria and Portugal.

The match will be played at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, with kick-off
scheduled for 8:45 p.m. Nigerian time.

Chelle, who has overseen Nigeria’s rebuild since his appointment in January 2025
following their failure to qualify for the World Cup, said the fixture is part of a longer-
term process focused on tactical growth and consistency.

“We have to improve with every game,” Chelle said. “This is not about the result. It is
about the philosophy, the mindset, and the way we want to play.”

Martínez, whose Portugal side is using the game as final preparation for the World
Cup, described Nigeria as a strong and physically demanding opponent capable of
testing his squad.

“I love the ideas of the coach,” Martínez said. “Nigeria is very competitive. They are
strong physically, and they have experienced players who can really test you.”

He added that the encounter offers the kind of intensity needed at this stage of
preparation.

Before kick-off, Alex Iwobi will be honoured for reaching 100 international
appearances.