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Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Iwobi Hits 100th Cap but Super Eagles Lose 2–1 to Portugal as Chelle’s Unbeaten Streak Ends in Leiria

Alex Iwobi joins Nigerian legends with century of appearances, but Eagles’ 25-match run snapped in World Cup warm-up

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Alex Iwobi joins Nigerian legends with century of appearances, but Eagles’ 25-match run snapped in World Cup warm-up

Alex Iwobi marked his landmark 100th appearance for the Super Eagles, but Nigeria fell 2–1 to Portugal at Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night. Pedro Neto opened scoring for Portugal in the 23rd minute before Akor Adams equalised for Nigeria, only for Francisco Conceicao to snatch the winner and hand Roberto Martinez’s men the victory. The defeat ends Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle’s remarkable 25-match unbeaten run in regulation time, which had produced 16 wins and nine draws ahead of this final FIFA World Cup warm-up.

The match started with both sides probing for early control. Portugal struck first through Pedro Neto after just 23 minutes. Akor Adams brought the Super Eagles level soon after, giving Nigerian fans hope of extending their team’s streak. However, Francisco Conceicao settled matters in favour of the hosts with a decisive goal that proved enough despite Nigeria’s efforts to respond.

For Super Eagles supporters, the result stings not just because of the loss but because it halts a record run under Chelle’s leadership. However, Alex Iwobi’s individual achievement gave reason for celebration. The Fulham midfielder is now only the fourth player ever to reach a century of caps for Nigeria, joining Joseph Yobo (also on 100), Ahmed Musa and Vincent Enyeama atop the all-time appearance list. CAF reacted to Iwobi’s feat on social media by calling him “iconic,” while Iwobi himself told the Nigeria Football Federation he was “proud to wear the green-and-white” despite missing out on major trophies so far.

“I am proud to be where I am today; proud to wear the green-and-white. I have no regrets choosing Nigeria,” Iwobi said via NFF channels. The midfielder also revealed his uncle Jay Jay Okocha and family members were consulted before switching allegiance from England at youth level. No immediate reaction was issued by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle or other officials at press time.

The Super Eagles will now regroup ahead of their next international fixture, with details yet to be confirmed as they prepare for life beyond a historic unbeaten streak and continue their search for major honours.

Source: https://punchng.com/caf-hails-iconic-iwobi-after-100-nigeria-apps/

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Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Nwabali Returns as Okoye Left Out — Iheanacho Leads New-Look Super Eagles Against Russia

Stanley Nwabali starts in goal while Kelechi Iheanacho captains a reshuffled Super Eagles XI for the Russia clash

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Stanley Nwabali starts in goal while Kelechi Iheanacho captains a reshuffled Super Eagles XI for the Russia clash

Stanley Nwabali has been handed the starting spot in goal, while Maduka Okoye is missing from the squad as Kelechi Iheanacho leads a refreshed Super Eagles line-up against Russia. The final score and goalscorers were not reported at press time, but the selection marks a significant shift for Nigeria’s national team.

The Super Eagles, under their current management, have opted for notable changes in their starting eleven. With Nwabali back between the posts, all eyes are on how the team will cope without Okoye’s presence. Iheanacho’s appointment as captain signals confidence in his leadership, especially as the team seeks to find new chemistry on the pitch. Details about other starters and tactical approaches were not confirmed in available reports.

For Nigerian fans, this shake-up could be a hint at bigger plans ahead of upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers or World Cup preparations. The absence of Okoye and the trust placed in Nwabali are likely to spark debate about who should be Nigeria’s number one going forward, especially after recent form and performances.

Neither the Super Eagles coaching crew nor representatives from the Nigerian Football Federation had issued any statements regarding the squad changes at press time. Similarly, there were no comments from Russia’s camp about Nigeria’s new line-up.

The Super Eagles’ next fixture details were not provided in available reports. Fans will be watching closely to see if this new-look squad becomes the standard as major qualifiers approach.

Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/russia-vs-nigeria-xi-nwabali-in-okoye-missing-as-iheanacho-leads-new-look-super-eagles-2026100507044867094

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Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Portugal FA President Breaks Silence on Ronaldo’s Post-2026 World Cup Plans — Why the Legend Refused to Retire

Fans eager for answers left hanging as official statement on Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement remains unclear

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Fans eager for answers left hanging as official statement on Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement remains unclear

Portuguese Football Association president’s much-anticipated revelation on why Cristiano Ronaldo did not hang up his boots after the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked serious debate among football fans. However, as at press time, no specific details about Ronaldo’s decision or any official comments from the Portugal FA president were available in the provided report.

There was widespread expectation that, following the global tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo might call time on his illustrious career with Portugal. Yet, the source article did not confirm whether Ronaldo has made any retirement announcement or shared his reasons for continuing. Fans across Nigeria and beyond are still waiting for direct words from either Ronaldo or the Portugal FA leadership regarding his future plans.

For Super Eagles supporters and Nigerian football observers, Ronaldo’s longevity is a talking point — especially as Nigeria look to build a squad capable of mixing it with Europe’s best in future tournaments. The uncertainty around his international career leaves room for speculation about potential match-ups between the Super Eagles and Portugal in upcoming competitions.

Neither Ronaldo nor any Portuguese official had issued a statement at press time addressing his post-World Cup intentions. No quotes or detailed explanations were included in the available report, so fans will have to wait longer for confirmation straight from the source.

Portugal’s next confirmed fixture and whether Cristiano Ronaldo will feature remain unreported in this update. Nigerian fans should keep tabs on official channels for further developments.

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Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/portugal-fa-president-finally-reveals-why-ronaldo-didnt-retire-after-2026-world-cup-2026100502001451151

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Ndidi Admits Frustration After Super Eagles’ Defeat to Guinea-Bissau Leaves Fans Demanding Answers

Wilfred Ndidi’s honest reaction exposes tension in the camp as Super Eagles struggle to find their rhythm

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Wilfred Ndidi’s honest reaction exposes tension in the camp as Super Eagles struggle to find their rhythm

The final score was not reported at press time, but Wilfred Ndidi has admitted he was angry following the Super Eagles’ defeat to Guinea-Bissau. Details about the venue, scorers, and key moments were also unavailable in the source material. Ndidi’s candid admission shines a light on the mood within the team after a disappointing result.

How it unfolded remains unclear, as no concrete match events or statistics were confirmed in available reports. The source did not provide information about goals, minute-by-minute action, or tactical changes that influenced the outcome.

For Nigerian fans, this defeat — whatever its margin — is a cause for concern. The Super Eagles have struggled for consistency in recent fixtures, and another loss raises questions ahead of upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Ndidi’s frustration reflects a squad searching for answers as supporters demand improvement.

No official statements from Super Eagles head coach or any other team official were provided at press time. Likewise, reactions from Guinea-Bissau’s camp or independent analysts were not included in the available report.

The Super Eagles’ next fixture, venue, and date were not specified in the source. With AFCON qualification on the horizon, all eyes will be on how Ndidi and his teammates respond in their upcoming matches.

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Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/ndidi-was-angry-super-eagles-star-makes-honest-admission-about-guinea-bissau-defeat-2026100500570184527

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