NFF Honours Iwobi as Super Eagles Star Reaches 100-Cap Milestone Despite Portugal Defeat

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) paid glowing tribute to Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi on Wednesday night as he celebrated his 100th appearance for the national team in an international friendly against Portugal in Leiria.
Before kick-off at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, alongside NFF Executive Committee member Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, presented the Fulham star with a specially framed commemorative jersey in recognition of his remarkable milestone.
The memorable occasion, however, ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat for Nigeria as World Cup-bound Portugal edged a spirited Super Eagles side in the high-profile encounter.
Led by veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese began brightly and nearly took an early lead in the ninth minute, but Ronaldo failed to convert a clear opportunity. At the other end, Akor Adams threatened Nigeria’s response, dragging his effort narrowly wide.
Portugal eventually broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto finished from close range after a swift attacking move initiated by Diogo Dalot. Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye then came to Nigeria’s rescue with a brilliant save to deny Bruno Fernandes, before Ronaldo glanced another effort just off target.
Nigeria’s persistence paid dividends eight minutes before the break. Akor Adams won an aerial duel near the centre circle, surged forward into open space, exchanged passes with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and calmly slotted beyond Diogo Costa to restore parity heading into halftime.
The second half belonged largely to Okoye, who produced back-to-back saves to frustrate João Félix in the 48th and 49th minutes. Ronaldo continued his hunt for a goal but was unable to beat the Nigerian shot-stopper before making way in the 65th minute.
Seeking a breakthrough, Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle introduced Abdullahi Bewene, Zaidu Sanusi, Terem Moffi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka on the hour mark, a tactical adjustment that brought renewed intensity to Nigeria’s play.
However, Portugal found the decisive moment with 15 minutes left on the clock. Francisco Conceição cut in from the right flank and unleashed a strike that beat Okoye, whose vision was partially obstructed, to seal victory for the hosts.
Okoye denied Félix once again in the closing stages to prevent further damage and preserve the respectable scoreline.
While the result went Portugal’s way, the evening belonged to Alex Iwobi, whose century of appearances underlined his enduring commitment and importance to the Super Eagles.
The defeat was only Coach Chelle’s second loss in regulation time across 25 matches over the past 15 months, further highlighting the steady progress of the Nigerian side despite the setback.