Portuguese manager hails S’Eagles

AHEAD of the friendly match between Nigeria and Portugal, the Portugues national team coach, Toni Conceição has lauded the Super Eagles, labeling the Jose Peseiro-led side ‘one of the best African teams’.

  Conceição has an idea of what Portugal’s national team can expect from their last opponent before the World Cup as he coached Nigeria’s neighbours, Cameroon for three years, managing them to a third place finish at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

  Three-time African champions, Nigeria will be absent from the World Cup after losing on away goals rule 1-1 on aggregate in a playoff tie with Ghana back in March 2022.

  Conceição believes the Super Eagles are an ideal opponent for Portugal to prepare for their World Cup opener against Ghana as they play in an identical way to the country Portugal will face next Thursday.

  In quotes relayed by SAPO, Conceição said : “This game against Nigeria comes at a good time, because it is one of the best African teams, has excellent players and has a football that is somewhat identical to the one that the Ghana team should play against Portugal.

  “Therefore, Portugal can get used to a set of situations that will find in the game with Ghana. This game is very appropriate, and Portugal will be able to draw many lessons in the game with Nigeria.”

  Conceição concluded by saying the friendly between Portugal and Nigeria was arranged because Super Eagles manager, Jose Peseiro has a good relationship with his Portuguese counterpart, Fernando Santos.