Super Eagles and Rangers star Fernandez dares Portugal after Poland draw

Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez has challenged Nigeria to take the same fighting spirit into next week’s international friendly against Portugal after Wednesday night’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Poland in Warsaw, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Rangers centre-back featured in the opening 45 minutes at the PGE Narodowy Stadium before making way for Semi Ajayi at the start of the second half as Eric Chelle’s side extended their unbeaten run in regulation time to 23 matches.

Nigeria twice looked on course for victory in the friendly, a game Calvin Bassey believes the Super Eagles should have won. Terem Moffi opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a close-range finish after a VAR review confirmed the goal. However, Poland hit back in first-half stoppage time when Kacper Potulski bundled home from a crowded penalty area following a corner.

The Super Eagles regained the lead in the 77th minute when Paul Onuachu calmly converted a VAR-awarded penalty. Victory appeared within touching distance until Przemysław Wiśniewski produced a stunning 25-yard strike in the fifth minute of added time to rescue a 2-2 draw for the hosts with virtually the final kick of the game.

Fernandez focus on Super Eagles positives ahead of Portugal test

Despite the disappointment of conceding twice, Fernandez believes Nigeria produced enough encouraging moments to take confidence into their next assignment.

“I think we have done well in moments, obviously we conceded is not something we want to happen,” Fernandez said after the match.

“But as a team and collective, we have done well and we created chances to win the game.”

The defender also pointed to several positive individual displays, with captain Wilfred Ndidi controlling large spells in midfield, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye making important saves and debutant Abdullahi Bewene impressing on his senior international bow.

Attention has now switched to Portugal, who will face Nigeria on Wednesday, June 10, in a high-profile friendly that serves as the Europeans’ final preparation game before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Fernandez insists the Super Eagles will travel into the contest full of belief despite facing one of Europe’s strongest sides.

“Everyone is fit and ready to take on Portugal next week. I think we are going to go there with the same fire we came today (Wednesday) and go there for a win,” he stated.

Head coach Eric Chelle will hope to maintain Nigeria’s impressive momentum when his side face a Portugal team ranked fifth in the world and packed with stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva.

The meeting will be only the second senior international encounter between the two nations. Their previous clash came in Lisbon in November 2022 when Portugal recorded a 4-0 victory, with Bruno Fernandes scoring twice.

Nigeria, currently ranked 26th in the world, will now continue preparations in camp as they look to produce a statement performance against elite European opposition next week.