The 17 November 2022 international friendly between Portugal National Football Team vs Nigeria National Football Team Lineups more than just a World Cup warm-up for the Portuguese. Held at Lisbon’s Estádio José Alvalade, the match exhibited the variety, game awareness, and ability of both nations. Portugal were 4-0 winners against Nigeria, showcasing their offensive equipment and tactical plans for Qatar 2022, while Nigeria also tested new players and formations in the match.
In this extensive piece we will analyse the complete teams, set-up, substitutions, tactical analysis, and turning points that provided this information.
Match Overview
This footballing culture clash was an entertaining examination for both teams. Portugal, with Fernando Santos at the helm, had been practicing its approach ahead of the World Cup; Nigeria, with José Peseiro in charge, was experimenting with squad depth and game plans. Portugal had more than 60 per cent of the possession and showed their attacking force without the ill Cristiano Ronaldo, although Nigeria always had some chances to counter-attack.
Portugal vs Nigeria Starting XI – Lineups Tables 1 – 3 4 – 5 Spain and Nigeria name squad to face Portugal Contest!!
And here’s a one-minute visual guide to the starting XIs of both teams:
| Team | Position | Players |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Goalkeeper | Rui Patrício |
| Defenders | Rúben Dias, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Mendes, António Silva | |
| Midfielders | William Carvalho, Octávio, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva | |
| Forwards | João Félix, André Silva | |
| Nigeria | Goalkeeper | Francis Uzoho |
| Defenders | 4 BRIGHT OSAYI-SAMUEL 21 KEVIN AKPOGUMA 5 WILLIAM TROOST-EKONG 13 CALVIN BASSEY | |
| Midfielders | Wilfred Ndidi Joe Aribo Alex Iwobi Ademola Lookman Moses Simon | |
| Forward | Terem Moffi |
Lineup Analysis – Portugal National Football Team
Portugal lined up in a 4-3-3, keeping possession and pressing high.
Goalkeeper
Rui Patrício was the leader and shot-stopper of the backline.
Defense
Rúben Dias – commanding at the back – with Nuno Mendes and Dalot providing width and pace.
Midfield
Carvalho held the defense, Fernandes and Silva engineered play and chances.
Attack
João Félix and André Silva proved a lively pair, the former often dropping deeper to dictate the attack.
This match showcased Portugal’s depth, especially with star substitutes having immediate impact.
The Nigeria National Football Team Lineup Analysis
Nigeria’s 4-3-3 set-up was built around staying compact and denying Portugal space in behind.
Goalkeeper
Francis Uzoho — Busy all through, made crucial saves without the score matching the pressure.
Defense
Troost-Ekong and Bassey were given the responsibility of containing Portugal’s movement, and Osayi-Samuel did well on his debut.
Midfield
Ndidi held midfield together while Aribo and Iwobi tried to move the ball under pressure.
Attack
Terem Moffi was tasked with leading the line but was left isolated for long parts.
It was a lineup that had promise but also underscored Nigeria’s need for more precise transitions and finishing.
Substitutions & Squad Depth
Lineups Both managers took the opportunity of this friendly to try out rotating their squads.
| Team | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Portugal | Pepe, Vitinha, João Cancelo, João Mário, Raphaël Guerreiro, Gonçalo Ramos, Ricardo Horta |
| Nigeria | Samuel ChukwuezeTask Re: Chukwueze, Onuachu, Dennis make Eagles return, Etebo backSamuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu, Emmanuel Dennis, Oghenekaro Etebo, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu SanusiOccurred that day.period, recalled were quartet Paul Onuachu, Samuel Chukwueze, Emmanuel Dennis and Oghenekaro Etebo, alongside Chidozie Awaziem and Zaidu Sanusi. |
Portugal’s substitutes added life, with Gonçalo Ramos and João Mário scoring in rapid sequence late in the second half.
Key Match Moments
Early Dominance by Portugal
High pressing by Portugal soon saw Nigeria defending deep.
Bruno Fernandes Brace
Fernandes scored in the ninth minute and then converted a penalty in the 35th minute to leapfrog Portugal into a commanding 2-0 lead.
Missed Opportunity for Nigeria
Emmanuel Dennis failed to convert a crucial second-half penalty that would have shifted the momentum.
Late Goals to Seal Victory
Substitutes Gonçalo Ramos (82′) and João Mário (84′) finally put the gloss on the 4-0 romp, an indicator of Portugal’s depth.
Tactical Breakdown
Portugal’s Tactical Edge
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High Pressing: Stopped Nigeria’s building from the back.
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Midfield Mastery: Carvalho’s discipline allowed both Fernandes and Silva to wreak havoc in attacking areas.
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Overlapping Full-Backs: Dalot & Mendes added width to stretch the nine men defence of Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Tactical Approach
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Compact Defense: The Super Eagles looked to stay compact in the center, taking away Portugal’s central passing lanes.
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Counter-Attacks: Relying on the speed of Lookman and Simon couldn’t make it count.
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Penalty Miss: A turning point whose flap of gravity was suffocating.
Match Significance
If for Portugal, this game was the signal of intent before the World Cup 2022. Ronaldo was not there and the team still displayed inventiveness and depth and clinical finishing. Fernandes’ captaincy and Dalot’s display were particular highlights.
But Nigeria will take something away from this high profile fixture. The likes of Osayi-Samuel and Bassey earned plenty of plaudits but the inability to take a chance bit them hard.
Conclusion
On 17 November 2022, Portugal National Football Team vs Nigeria National Football Team Lineups in a friendly match, a significant test for Portugal as preparation for the World Cup. The victory by 4-0 showcased not just their depth, but their tactical flexibility, too. With the likes of Bruno Fernandes and a cast of promising young standouts like António Silva, Portugal looks the part to challenge at football’s biggest showcase.
For Nigeria, there were some flaws exposed but also some signs of encouragement, particularly in defence. Games like these are crucial in terms of on-court chemistry and game readiness for future tournaments.
Read more: Portugal National Football Team vs France National Football Team Timeline: Key Matches & Moments