Portugal Edges Nigeria 2-1 as Conceição Secures Pre-World Cup Friendly Victory

Portugal wrapped up its pre-World Cup friendly schedule with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nigeria at the Estádio Municipal de de Aveiro on Wednesday, though captain Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating night.

Roberto Martínez’s side opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto latched onto Diogo Dalot’s precise pass, firing a low driven shot into the bottom corner. Nigeria responded resiliently before the break, leveling the score in the 38th minute through Akor Adams, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to score from a tight angle.

The second half saw extensive tactical rotations, including the substitution of Ronaldo in the 65th minute after the 41-year-old uncharacteristically missed two clear-cut, one-on-one opportunities. Portugal's breakthrough finally arrived in the 75th minute when substitute Francisco Conceição cut inside from the right flank and unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner.

Despite late pressure from the Super Eagles, Portugal held on to secure consecutive warm-up wins. The squad will now travel to the United States to begin their World Cup Group K campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo on June 17.