Portugal – Nigeria: Final dress rehearsal for Portugal before the World Cup
One last spotlight on the build-up for the qualified nations before the big trip to the World Cup. Portugal host Nigeria on Wednesday night in a showcase friendly that doubles as a final tune-up. For Portugal, this one matters. It is a chance to tighten the last few collective details before the real stuff starts. Confidence is high after their recent win over Chile, and fans want to see this side build momentum with only a few days left before kick-off.
Portugal want to build momentum 
Portugal’s preparation has gone smoothly under Roberto Martinez, who has a deep and gifted squad in every area of the pitch. The Portugal coach also welcomes back the four Paris Saint-Germain players, fresh from their Champions League triumph, giving Portugal some major new options. In goal, Portugal will have Diogo Costa, while the central pairing should go to Ruben Dias and Goncalo Inacio. In midfield, Portugal will lean on Bruno Fernandes to pull the strings and set the tempo.
Even if Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo is rested and starts on the bench, the attacking quality still looks impressive with Bernardo Silva and Goncalo Guedes. Portugal know they have to impose their possession-based style and wear down the opposition block. The depth of the bench will be a real asset after the break if they need to keep the pressure high. For Portugal, a comfortable win tonight would send them to the tournament with their status as favourites fully intact.
Nigeria are chasing a statement result 
Nigeria, meanwhile, were left gutted after losing on penalties in the final of the African play-offs, missing out on a place in the tournament proper. Even so, Eric Chelle’s side are in good nick, unbeaten in six straight matches in all competitions. Without stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles will look to the strike partnership of Terem Moffi and Akor Adams to try to rattle the Europeans on their own patch.
Probable line-ups
Portugal : D. Costa ; Dalot, Dias, Inacio, Mendes ; Vitinha, Fernandes, J. Neves ; Bernardo, Guedes, Neto
Nigeria : Okoye ; Bewene, Ogbu, Fernandez, Onyemaechi ; Simon, Onyeka, Ndidi, Nnadi ; Adams, Moffi
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Football prediction Portugal vs Nigeria
Portugal to lead at half-time
This warm-up game should see the home side pile on the pressure from the first whistle. Portugal will want to kill off any doubt early and show their technical edge from the opening minutes in front of their fans. With senior European figures returning and an attack of the highest order led by Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, Selecao have the tools to unsettle the African defence straight away.
Nigeria, for their part, arrive without their main attacking threats such as Osimhen and Lookman, which should force them deep into their own half from kick-off. Under wave after wave of pressure and the high tempo set by Portugal’s midfield, the Nigerian back line could crack before the interval. The freshness and drive of the home starters should be enough to send Roberto Martinez’s side into the dressing room with the lead.
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