The Selecao of Portugal defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria 4-0 in their first-ever meeting, as they make their way to the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Abbeylivenetwork.com reports.
The 2016 European champions scored two goals from Bruno Fernandes in the first half and another two in the second half through Goncalo Ramos and Joao Ramos to defeat a complacent and obviously uninspired Nigerian side.
Portugal played without Cristiano Ronaldo who was absent because of illness.
This was the fifth defeat in seven matches under Peseiro as the Super Eagles continue to reconstruct ahead of the Nations Cup in 2023. The last time the Eagles lost by four or more goals was against Catalonia in December 1998.
Nigeria had a chance to equalize immediately but Simon’s shot was blocked.
Moses almost finished off a fine build up in the 30th minute after seeing his curled shot saved by Rui Patricio.
In the 35th minute, Fernandes converted from the spot kick to extend Portugal’s lead to two after a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel
Alex Iwobi whipped in a cross to the edge of the box but a header from Joe Aribo wasn’t strong enough to test the goalkeeper in the 37th minute.
Before the resumption of the second half, Frank Onyeka and Samuel Chukwueze replaced Wilfred Nidid and Ademola Lookman respectively.
In the 49th minute, Nigeria won the ball on the break through Chukwueze but the attacking move was stopped by Silva, however the ball rebounded to the feet of Onyeka and he misplaced the pass.
Moffi’s night was over in the 58th minute as he was brought off for Paul Onuachu.
Nigeria’s fourth substitution took place in the 69th minute with Etebo coming on for Joe Aribo.
Chukwueze almost finished off a fine pass from Iwobi in the 71st minute but Rui Patricio saved his effort from close range.
Uzoho made a finger tip save to deny Joao Felix Portugal’s third of the night in the 73rd minute.
Emmanuel Dennis was then brought on to replace Moses Simon after 75 minutes.
Nigeria got awarded a penalty in the 81st minute after Bright Osayi-Samuel was fouled in the box but Dennis failed to convert from the spot.
The Peseiro led Eagles went on to concede a third in the 82nd minute through Goncalo Ramos who struck a right footed shot.
The annihilation was complete with Joao Mario finishing off a brilliant build up with a right footed strike.Up next for Nigeria is an AFCON Qualifier against Guinea Bissau in March 2023.
