Finidi's Pepe shirt 'fight' with Simon and five other observations from Nigeria loss to Portugal 

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo was not part of Portugal's side in the friendly but his teammate at Old Trafford Bruno Fernandes led the team to an emphatic 4-0 win. 

These are the six things observed by allnigeriasoccer.com in the game. 

1. Sloppy Eagles And Lost Possession 

The Eagles played in low blocks with the aim of playing short passes and playing out from the back thereby catching the Europeans on their traps but that failed them as they easily gave out possession to Portugal players. 

The Nigerian side started promisingly but in less than five minutes after the kick off, the pendulum swung to Portugal's favour. 

2. Goal scoring Chances At A Premium 

The Eagles did not create sufficient goal scoring chances until latter part of the first half when Alex Iwobi found Joe Aribo in the opposition half but the effort was wasted. 

Prior to that, the Eagles had not created any chance. 

3. The Weak Link 

The Super Eagles left side was the weaker of the two on the night as most of Portugal's attack came from that side especially in the first half. 

4. Chukwueze, Iwobi Light Up The Nigerian Attack 

Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze came off the bench in place of Ademola Lookman and immediately sparked what seemed like a revival but his chances created by Alex Iwobi were nullified by the disciplined Portugal defence. 

5. Penalty Taker, Who? 

The Super Eagles had a chance to reduce the scoreline in the second half when the team were awarded a penalty. 

Emmanuel Dennis went for it despite Troost-Ekong and Paul Onuachu insistence on having it but the Nottingham Forest striker took it and missed. The ball was parried to the foot of the post and out by Rui Patricio. 

6. Finidi George's Pepe Shirt 'Fight' With Moses Simon

Assistant Super Eagles coach and 1994 FIFA World Cup star for Nigeria Finidi George was pictured requesting for the jersey of veteran Portugal defender Pepe. 

The camera caught the moment as Nantes of France forward Moses Simon was also seen asking for the same gift. 

A visibly disappointed George lost out eventually as Simon and the giver of the jersey, Pepe, explained to the Nigerian legend that the pledge had been made to his player, Simon.

Izuchukwu Michael
 

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