Portugal 2-1 Nigeria: Chelle loses first match in open play with Super Eagles

Portugal 2-1 Nigeria: Chelle loses first match in open play with Super Eagles

Before tonight's defeat to Portugal, Super Eagles coach, Éric Chelle had lost zero matches in open play.

He accumulated a highly successful unbeaten streak in competitive and regulation-time fixtures and any previous exits from major tournaments or qualifiers under his watch were determined strictly by penalty shootouts.

But that changed in Lisbon as the Super Eagles finally lost in open play to a star studded Portugal complete with Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and hosts of others in a pre-2026 World Cup friendly.

The team gave a very good account of themselves against World Cup bound, Portugal.

Although Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye could be blamed for Pedro Neto's opening goal in the 23rd minute, he redeemed himself with two top class saves thereafter.

It wasn't long before Sevilla striker, Akor Adams equalised for Nigeria in the 37th minute.

The Portuguese changed almost the entire squad that started the game in the second half but waited until 15 minutes to regulation time to snatch the winner through Francisco Conceição.