Portugal wrapped up their preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Thursday night as Fernando Santo’s team played against Nigeria’s Super Eagles and thrashed the west African nation 4-0 in their last friendly fixture before kicking off their World Cup campaign.
Football experts applaud the Portuguese side for their performance which did not feature Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo who was absent through illness.
Experts also say the friendly match was overshadowed by the scathing interview between Cristiano Ronaldo and British broadcaster Piers Morgan, where the 37-year-old forward says his club Manchester United is mistreating him.
A frosty dressing room interaction between the 37-year-old record holder and his Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes rocked the headlines early this week, but it was the 28-year-old midfielder who stepped up to lead the Portuguese side to victory against Nigeria while scoring the opening two goals of the match.
Portugal's captain Bruno Fernandes scores the second goal from the penalty spot in their international friendly against Nigeria, Lisbon, November 17, 2022
The Super Eagles could have pulled themselves back into the game, but Nigerian forward Emmanuel Dennis failed to score a penalty against goalkeeper Rui Patricio in the 81st minute of the game.
Portuguese forward Gonçalo Ramos there after made it 3-0 for the Portuguese side and was followed by João Mário who tucked away the final goal of the game.
Portugal’s medical personnel say Cristiano Ronaldo is suffering from gastroenteritis which ruled him out for the friendly match but is in recovery and will be available to play at his fifth FIFA World Cup.
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