Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle says his priority is to see an improvement in the way his team plays when they file out against Portugal in a friendly game in Leiria on Wednesday (today), The PUNCH reports.
Nigeria and Portugal will meet again four years after the Selecao handed the Eagles a 4–0 defeat in a warm-up game before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Except for Chelle’s reign, which began in January 2025, little has changed about the Super Eagles since their last friendly against Portugal, as Nigeria are set to miss out on a second consecutive World Cup appearance.
However, the Franco-Malian coach is determined to see progress in his rebuilding process with the national team, even as the next phase of the project comes with contract negotiations.
“Like I said about the philosophy and the way that we want to play this game, this is not a question about the result. Of course, we played three years ago, we lost. So now, this is not a question about that. The most important thing, the most important objective is to improve with every game,” Chelle said during his pre-match interview.
“So, we have to come back with a great state of mind and our philosophy, of course.”
Since taking over the Super Eagles in January 2025, Chelle has overseen 24 matches, losing only once in regulation time — a 2–1 defeat against Egypt in a pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly in Cairo in December 2025.
For Portugal, Nigeria will provide a stern test ahead of their opening game of the 2026 World Cup against DR Congo next Wednesday, and Chelle understands the assignment.
“I think they want to play an African team because of the intensity of the game. You know, when I speak about that, I speak about physically. So, this is a good opportunity for Portugal to play against us.”
Before kick-off, Nigeria will honour midfielder Alexander Iwobi as he makes his 100th senior appearance for the country.
The game will kick off at 8:45 p.m. Nigerian time.
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