Portugal vs. Nigeria: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Substitution Leads to a Winning Goal
PELANGI4D – The Portuguese national team managed to win when playing against the Nigerian national team in a trial match held at the Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa, Leiria, Portugal, Thursday (11/06/2026) early morning WIB.
The match wasn’t easy for Portugal. Despite dominating possession, Nigeria defended solidly and created several dangerous attacks.
Portugal scored through Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao , while Nigeria’s reply came through Akor Adams .
Portugal also featured Cristiano Ronaldo in this match . However, after he left the field, the Selecao were able to score the winning goal.
This result is certainly a good one. It provides valuable capital for Portugal ahead of the 2026 World Cup .
Portugal vs Nigeria First Half
The Portuguese national team celebrates after scoring against Nigeria, Thursday (June 11, 2026). (c) AP Photo/Armando Franca
The match started aggressively with Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-range shot in the second minute going high. The captain wasted another golden opportunity in the eighth minute, failing to capitalize on Nelson Semedo’s through ball with only the goalkeeper one-on-one.
Nigeria didn’t sit back and immediately threatened to counter a minute later through a quick move from their attackers. Unfortunately, Adams’ close-range shot went wide of the Portuguese goal after he managed to get past Inacio.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto scored Portugal’s opening goal. He unleashed a one-touch left-footed shot into the bottom left corner of the net after receiving a perfect pass from Diogo Dalot inside the penalty area. 1-0!
Portugal’s onslaught continued when Bruno Fernandes’ powerful left-footed shot in the 32nd minute was saved by goalkeeper Okoye. A corner kick shortly afterward also failed to produce a goal, as Ronaldo’s header sailed just over the bar.
The upset came in the 37th minute when Nigeria equalized through a brilliant move from Adams. The striker blocked Inacio’s run and out-jumped Ruben Dias before calmly beating goalkeeper Costa.
That goal was the last before halftime. Portugal 1-1 Nigeria.
Portugal vs Nigeria Second Half
Goncalo Inacio battles for the ball with Akor Adams during the Portugal vs. Nigeria match on Thursday (June 11, 2026). (c) AP Photo/Ana Brigida
Entering the second half, Joao Felix nearly restored Portugal’s lead in the 48th minute with a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area. The half-volley hit the crossbar with great force and a portion of it almost bounced over the line.
Nigeria made several substitutions in the 61st minute. Portugal made a similar move in the 65th minute, but only substituted one player, Ronaldo, and replaced him with Goncalo Ramos.
Portugal’s persistence finally paid off in the 75th minute thanks to a brilliant piece of play from Francisco Conceicao on the flank. The winger cut inside after receiving Cancelo’s pass before unleashing a powerful shot into the bottom corner, leaving the goalkeeper unable to keep out.
Nigeria continued to resist the onslaught of pressure as the game wore on. This was evident in Bewene’s successful interception of Joao Felix and Okoye’s heroic save from Samu’s volley in the 85th minute.
Both sides’ hard work in the closing stages failed to change the scoreline. The referee finally blew the final whistle, signaling the end of the match with a 2-1 victory for Portugal over Nigeria.
Portugal vs Nigeria Match Statistics
Cristiano Ronaldo’s expression during the Portugal vs. Nigeria match, Thursday (June 11, 2026). (c) AP Photo/Armando Franca
Ball possession: Portugal 61% – Nigeria 39%
Total shots: Portugal 13 – 5 Nigeria
Shots on target: Portugal 6 – 2 Nigeria
Touches in the opponent’s penalty box: Portugal 19 – 10 Nigeria
Big chance: Portugal 3 – 0 Nigeria
Big chance failed to convert: Portugal 3 – 0 Nigeria
Accurate passes: Portugal 535 (91%) – Nigeria 322 (86%)
Yellow card: Portugal 2 – 2 Nigeria
Corner kick: Portugal 3 – 2 Nigeria
Portugal vs Nigeria Lineups
The Portugal national team squad in a friendly against Nigeria on Thursday (June 11, 2026). (c) AP Photo/Ana Brigida
Portugal: Diogo Costa; Nelson Semedo, Goncalo Inacio, Ruben Dias, Diogo Dalot; Vitinha, Joao Neves; Trincao, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto; Cristiano Ronaldo
Coach: Roberto Martinez
Nigeria: Maduka Okoye; Christian Akpan, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Tochukwu Nnadi, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Alex Iwobi, Chord Adams, Moses Simon
BACA JUGA: JADWAL BOLA 10 – 11 JUNI 2026
Link Resmi: PELANGI 4D
