Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has revealed that the Portuguese national team has much to gain in their friendly against Nigeria because it will afford them the opportunity to learn how to approach their 2026 World Cup group K clash with DR Congo.
The Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for the second time at the men’s senior level after their first encounter—also a friendly—ended 4-0 in favour of the Cristiano Ronaldo-led side in 2022.
Portugal, who are also grouped with Uzbekistan and Colombia, will open their World Cup campaign with the DR Congo on June 17.
The Congolese edged out the Super Eagles in the final of the African qualifying playoff in November via penalties after 90 minutes and extra time finished 1-1.
It was a return to the World Cup for the DR Congo after making its debut at the 1974 edition in the former West Germany.
Speaking in his pre-match conference, Chelle noted that Portugal specifically sought out Nigeria because they needed to test themselves against an African opponent known for high physical intensity and speed.
“It is not a lack of respect; we cannot compare Nigeria and the DR Congo. I don’t think about who the best team is; I think about the style of the philosophy.
“I think they (Portugal) want to play an African team maybe because of the intensity of the game. When I speak about that, I speak about physicality.
“So this is a good opportunity for Portugal to play against us because we have already played DR Congo in the World Cup qualifying playoffs and lost on penalties, so maybe they want to see the way they will play against them (DR Congo),” Chelle said.
On the thought of coming up against a star-studded Portuguese side, Chelle expressed his delight that his players will be up against potential World Cup champions.
“We will play against a big team who can become World Cup champions. This is a big team with many big players, and we are very happy to have this chance to play them.
“This is a big game for them and for us, and now my only focus is my players, and just like he said (Wilfred Ndidi during the pre-match press conference) about the philosophy and the way we want to play this game, this is not about the result.”
Also, on the heavy defeat the Eagles suffered against Portugal the last time both teams met and his objectives for Wednesday’s contest, he said, “Of course, four years ago we lost (4-0), so now maybe we are scared.
“No, this is not a question about that. The most important goal and objective is to improve in every game; we have to go to the game with a great state of mind and our philosophy, of course.”
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
