Former Nigerian international Mutiu Adepoju has disclosed that Portugal duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes will be the Super Eagles’ biggest threat in tomorrow’s international friendly game.

Roberto Martinez’s side are building towards their tournament opener against the DR Congo on June 17, but Nigeria failed to secure a position in the finals of the summer competition, having lost to the DR Congo in the CAF playoff final on penalties.

Ronaldo and Fernandes in the spotlight

Ronaldo and Fernandes remain the dynamic focal points of Portuguese football, continuing to deliver spectacular numbers for both club and country. As the key playmaking and goalscoring duo, they shoulder massive expectations heading into major international tournaments.

In a chat with Completesports.com, Adepoju noted that the sheer determination and world-class quality of both players make them dangerous.

“Definitely, the duo of Ronaldo and Fernandes will be a threat. They have always been a threat to play against due to the qualities they possessed,” Adepoju told Completesports.com.

“The Super Eagles must work very hard to stop them. They are footballers like our players, so I believe Nigeria will be able to curtail them.”

Eagles’ absence from 2026 World Cup

The Super Eagles have been regulars in the World Cup since 1994, featuring in six of the last eight tournaments, making the round of 16 twice during that period.

Eric Chelle’s team will enter this match off the back of a 2-2 draw with Poland, and the national side are unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions.

Nigeria have actually won nine of their last 12 matches, including two games against Zimbabwe and Jamaica at the end of May to retain the Unity Cup in London, so they will provide strong competition for Portugal ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

“Victory is always good, and if tomorrow we beat Portugal, it’s another good result for us.

“But unfortunately, Nigeria will not be going to the 2026 World Cup. But then, the team must work towards qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.” he concluded.