International Football
Portugal make mince meat out of Super Eagles
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
World Cup absentees, Super Eagles recorded their most crushing defeat in decades as a Bruno Fernades inspired Portugal humiliated the Nigerian team 4-0 in the European’s team’s farewell game into the World Cup.
The defeat also means that the Super Eagles have failed to win any of the last five matches since their 10-0 defeat of Sao Tome and Principe in June.
The Thursday night match marked the 10th time Nigeria had faced Portugal in all matches. Three of the matches were at U-17 level of which Nigeria lost twice and drew goalless once.
Six other encounters had been at U-20 level. Nigeria lost five times and drew 0-0 once.
The only encouter at senior level has ended in a crushing defeat. Bruno Fernandes scored twice in the first half and debutant Goncalo Ramos and Joao Mario added late goals a World Cup warm-up in Lisbon on Thursday.
Iconic Ronakdo missed the match due to a stomach bug, his Manchester United team-mate Fernandes led a strong Portugal side in their last match before travelling to Doha on Friday.
The only surprise was the debut of 19-year-old Benfica defender Antonio Silva, who started ahead of Pepe as the veteran works his way back from a long injury layoff.