By Victor Kanayo
Two well-taken goals in each half, propelled Portugal to a 4-0 defeat of Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Thursday night in the first-ever senior international clash between both nations, just barely 72 hours to 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
In the entire 90 minutes duration, the Nigerian side failed to measure up to the 2016 European champions in Lisbon.
Diogo Dalot and Joao Felix ran rings round the Eagles’ defence and set up Bruno Fernandes for the first goal as early as the 9th minute, and Fernandes increased the tally from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute after right back Bright Osayi-Samuel handled the ball as Felix attempted another pull-out.
The Nigerian team coached by Jose Peseiro, a Portuguese gaffer could not respond to the challenge as Ademola Lookman and Terem Moffi were isolated upfront. Moses Simon sashayed into the hosts’ box as the first half wore on but his snap shot was saved by goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
In the second half, Coach Jose Peseiro brought in Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka and Paul Onuachu in place of Wilfred Ndidi, Lookman and Moffi.
There were a few sparks from the right wing as Chukwueze strove to make his presence felt, but when he escaped the attention of the Portuguese defence after 73 minutes, his shot was blocked by Patricio.
Nigeria earned a penalty in the 80th minute when debutant Osayi-Samuel was tripped in the Portuguese box, but Emmanuel Dennis failed to beat Patricio from six yards with a soft kick.
Portugal, who head to the World Cup finals in Qatar on Friday, saw that as a signal to ratchet up the pressure, and they added two more goals in the 82nd and 84th minute through Goncalo Ramos and Joao Mario as the Nigeria resistance collapsed.
The Super Eagles have now lost all their four friendly matches under Jose Peseiro against Mexico, Ecuador, Algeria and Portugal.
Nigeria failed to qualify for this year’s mundial after similar shambolic display.
