Cristiano Ronaldo has dominated headlines in the buildup to Portugal's only friendly match ahead of the 2022 World Cup, following an outburst interview in which he lashed out at Manchester United.
Portugal will not allow Ronaldo's drama distract their preparations as they seek to extend the strong run of form that has seen them win seven of their last nine home games, despite a 1-0 defeat to Spain in September.
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, and Portugal who are on their way to Qatar, will hope to round off their preparations for the tournament with a victory and a clean sheet.
Nigeria fans are still bemoaning how their national team have been subjected to training material for teams preparing for the Mundial in Qatar, the game with Portugal ( Grade A international friendly) may just be something to look up to.
Recent results hasn't be inspiring for the new Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro, who has won just two of his eight games in charge of the Super Eagles, and he will be without Napoli striker Victor Osimhen for the trip to Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Portugal vs. Nigeria Date, Time and Place
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Portugal will face Nigeria at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, 18:45 hrs GMT, that is 19:45 WAT (7:45pm Nigeria time) kick-off expected to take place in warm but wet conditions after a week of thundery showers in the Portuguese capital.
Nigeria team news
Nigeria invited 23 players for the friendly match against Portugal
But head coach Jose Peseiro had to replace Victor Osimhen with Cyriel Dessers and Chidozie Awaziem for Olisah Ndah. The replacement was due to injury.
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye
Defenders: William Ekong, Olisa Ndah, Calvin Bassey, Kevin Akpoguma, Chidiebube Duru, Tyronne Ebuehi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi Samuel
Midfielders: Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Oghenekaro Etebo
Forwards: Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Terem Moffi, Paul Onuachu and Emmanuel Dennis
Portugal team news
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Patricio
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Antonio Silva, Nuno Mendes, Raphael Guerreiro
Midfielders: Joao Palhinha, Ruben Neves, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Mario, Matheus Nunes, Otavio Monteiro, Vitinha, William Carvalho
Forwards: Andre Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Ricardo Horta
How to watch Portugal vs Nigeria on Television
For those in Nigeria, Portugal vs Nigeria match will be live on Super sports from 7:45pm
