Portugal could be without winger Rafael Leão for Wednesday’s friendly against Nigeria after the AC Milan star was sent off in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Chile.
Leão received a red card just before half-time for striking Chile defender Ivan Román in the face. Despite playing with 10 men, Portugal rallied to secure the win through second-half goals from Gonçalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes, while Román scored a late consolation for Chile.
The forward had returned to the starting lineup after missing several recent club matches due to suspension and selection decisions under AC Milan coach Max Allegri.
If the standard disciplinary sanction is applied, Leão will miss the clash with Nigeria in Leiria. There is also the possibility that the suspension could affect Portugal’s World Cup campaign, potentially ruling him out of group-stage matches against DR Congo and Uzbekistan.
The encounter with Nigeria at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa will be Portugal’s final warm-up fixture before heading to the World Cup. The Portuguese have already recorded wins over co-hosts USA and Chile during their preparations.
For Nigeria, the match will conclude a rebuilding phase under coach Eric Chelle. The Super Eagles drew 2-2 with Poland last week after earlier victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica helped them retain the Unity Cup title in London.
The last meeting between Portugal and Nigeria came before the 2022 World Cup, when the Europeans claimed a 4-0 victory.
Nigeria will once again miss the World Cup, marking the first time since making their tournament debut in 1994 that they have failed to qualify for two consecutive editions.
