The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to take on Portugal next Wednesday at the Dr Magalhães Pessoa Stadium, but Roberto Martinez's side are likely to be without one of their key players, Soccernet.ng reports.
Eric Chelle's men are in good spirits following the Unity Cup victory and a 2-2 draw against Poland last Wednesday, but will test the true strength of their side against the 2016 EURO winners.
The Green and Whites are also boosted by the arrivals of Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze ahead of the Portugal clash.
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Nigeria vs Portugal: Manchester City's Matheus Nunes doubtful for friendly clash
Speaking ahead of their clash against the Super Eagles, Portugal head coach, Roberto Martinez, reported on the fitness situation of his players, citing why Matheus Nunes and Joao Felix are doubts to face Chelle's men.
“In football there is nothing predictable, so we always work prepared to expect the unexpected,” the former Everton head coach said in quotes revealed by A Bola.
“Unfortunately, Matheus Nunes is still not in a position to train, so he stays off the list for tomorrow.
“This is not the time to take any funny risks. We hope Matheus will be well for the second game, against Nigeria.
“João Félix will train and we will make a decision after training, but I think it is a different situation. I feel like he's positive and he's going to be fit to play tomorrow,” Martinez continued.
How Nunes' potential absence affects Portugal
Primarily a midfielder before his move to Manchester City in 2023, the 27-year-old was converted to a full-time right-back by Pep Guardiola, and has made that role his own since Kyle Walker's exit.
Should he miss the game against Nigeria, Seleção das Quinas still have a team that's more than able to compete in any tournament in the World.
At right-back, they have Diogo Dalot, while Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Bernardo Silva are world-class midfield options. Even if he were fit, Nunes will most likely be a substitute on the bench, considering the quality Portugal possesses.
Martinez is also very proud of the quartet in his squad who recently celebrated winning back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles.
“They were once champions of Europe, arrived and helped a lot with their confidence. When you win the Champions League, you believe anything is possible.
“Nuno Mendes was the man of the game in the final [UEFA Nations League] against Spain; Vitinha played a very good final.
“Gonçalo Ramos is, for me, an example with his attitude of always being prepared for everything that is to help the team; and João Neves is a player who is, at this moment, at the best level of the midfielders in European football.
“Now, they need to rest a little. I hope their season closed well, with a good celebration. They've had time with the families and now their energy is going to be very important to us starting tomorrow,” the 52-year-old concluded.
Kick-off for the clash between Nigeria and Portugal is scheduled for 8:45 PM WAT, but before then, they have a friendly game against Chile this evening at Estadio Nacional.
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