NFF honours Iwobi as he earns 100th Cap
By ABIRHIRE THOMAS
Nigeria’s persistence paid off in the 37th minute. After winning an aerial contest near the centre circle, Akor Adams advanced into space, received a pass from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and fired past Diogo Costa to restore parity before halftime.
The National Football Federation (NFF) Communications Department on Wednesday night honoured Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi as he made his 100th appearance for Nigeria in an international friendly against Portugal in Leiria.
Before kick-off at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, alongside NFF Executive Committee member Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, presented Iwobi with a specially framed commemorative jersey to mark the milestone.
The Super Eagles delivered a spirited performance despite suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to World Cup-bound Portugal in the high-profile encounter.
Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese side started brightly, but Nigeria showed early intent. Ronaldo missed a clear opportunity in the ninth minute, while Akor Adams also came close at the other end, dragging his effort just wide.
Portugal broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto fired home from close range after a forward surge orchestrated by Diogo Dalot. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye produced a superb save from Bruno Fernandes minutes later and watched Ronaldo narrowly miss with a glancing header.
Nigeria’s persistence paid off in the 37th minute. After winning an aerial contest near the centre circle, Akor Adams advanced into space, received a pass from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and fired past Diogo Costa to restore parity before halftime.
The second half saw Okoye in inspired form, making consecutive saves from João Félix in the 48th and 49th minutes. Ronaldo continued his search for a goal but failed to convert his chances before being substituted in the 65th minute.
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle introduced fresh legs on the hour mark, bringing on Abdullahi Bewene, Zaidu Sanusi, Terem Moffi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka, a move that injected renewed energy into the Nigerian side.
However, with 15 minutes remaining, Francisco Conceição sealed victory for Portugal, cutting in from the right before firing past Okoye, whose view was partially obstructed.
Okoye denied Félix again late in the game to keep the scoreline respectable.
The defeat marked only Coach Chelle’s second loss in regulation time in 25 matches over the past 15 months, underlining the team’s steady progress despite the setback.
