Portugal secured a 2-1 friendly victory over Nigeria in Leiria as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, yet the win came with a hint of regret as veteran striker Cristiano Ronaldo failed to convert clear-cut opportunities in front of goal.
At age 41, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star could not add to his men's national team record of 143 goals despite having at least two one-on-one chances with the goalkeeper in the first and second halves. Ronaldo was substituted in the 65th minute after playing more minutes than any other starter.
Ronaldo will appear at his sixth World Cup, equalling the record held by several other players. Meanwhile, substitute Francisco Conceicao scored the decisive goal in the 75th minute with a curling effort from the right wing into the far corner.
Pedro Neto opened the scoring for Portugal in the 23rd minute, but Akor Adams equalised for Nigeria 14 minutes later. Nigeria did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Coach Roberto Martinez made eight substitutions at halftime to give as many players as possible game time. The victory was Portugal's second consecutive win, following a 2-1 result against Chile.
Portugal are in Group K alongside DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia. They begin their World Cup campaign next Wednesday against DR Congo in Houston, Texas, at 12 noon local time (17:00 GMT).
Nigeria will now focus on the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The team gave Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman a rest after their long club seasons.
