Portugal 4 Nigeria 0 : Bruno Fernandes hits first half brace, Dennis misses penalty

The Super Eagles' winless run in friendlies extended to 12 as they suffered a 4-0 win against the Selecao of Portugal.

Bruno Fernandes's brace, strikes from Ramos and Joao Mario were enough to hand Jose Peseiro his fourth loss since taking charge of Nigeria. 

In the 8th minute, the Manchester United attacking midfielder opened the scoring for the Selecao with a right footed shot that was assisted by Diogo Dalot.

Nigeria had a chance to equalize immediately but Simon's shot was blocked.

Moses almost finished off a fine build up in the 30th minute after seeing his curled shot saved by Rui Patricio.

In the 35th minute, Fernandes converted from the spot kick to extend Portugal's lead to two after a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel 

Alex Iwobi whipped in a cross to the edge of the box but a header from Joe Aribo wasn't strong enough to test the goalkeeper in the 37th minute.

Before the resumption of the second half, Frank Onyeka and Samuel Chukwueze replaced Wilfred Nidid and Ademola Lookman respectively.

In the 49th minute, Nigeria won the ball on the break through Chukwueze but the attacking move was stopped by Silva, however the ball rebounded to the feet of Onyeka and he misplaced the pass.

Moffi's night was over in the 58th minute as he was brought off for Paul Onuachu.

Nigeria's fourth substitution took place in the 69th minute with Etebo coming on for Joe Aribo.

Chukwueze almost finished off a fine pass from Iwobi in the 71st minute but Rui Patricio saved his effort from close range.

Uzoho made a finger tip save to deny Joao Felix Portugal's third of the night in the 73rd minute.

Emmanuel Dennis was then brought on to replace Moses Simon after 75 minutes.

Nigeria got awarded a penalty in the 81st minute after Bright Osayi-Samuel was fouled in the box but Dennis failed to convert from the spot.

The Peseiro led Eagles went on to concede a third in the 82nd minute through Goncalo Ramos who struck a right footed shot.

The annihilation was complete with Joao Mario finishing off a brilliant build up with a right footed strike.

Up next for Nigeria is an AFCON Qualifier against Guinea Bissau in March 2023.

Toyosi Afolayan

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