Portugal Game Will Help Us Improve – Chelle

Eric Chelle has described Wednesday’s international friendly between Portugal and the Super Eagles as an important opportunity for both sides, particularly as they prepare for major tournaments ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The Super Eagles will face Portugal in what will be only the second meeting between both nations at senior level, with the first encounter ending in a 4-0 victory for the Portuguese side in 2022.

The upcoming match is expected to provide a stronger test for both teams as they fine-tune preparations for competitive action.

Portugal, captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, are grouped alongside DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia for the World Cup. They will begin their campaign against DR Congo on June 17.

Interestingly, the Congolese side recently edged Nigeria in a penalty shootout during the African qualifying playoffs after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Chelle explained that facing Nigeria offers Portugal a chance to better understand African opposition, particularly in terms of intensity and physical approach.

According to him, the match is not about ranking teams but about analysing playing classs and preparing strategically for future opponents.

He noted that games against African teams are often highly physical and fast-paced, making Nigeria an ideal opponent for such preparation. Chelle also stressed that the fixture is valuable for his own team, as it provides an opportunity to test themselves against a world-class side.

Portugal, he said, are one of the strongest teams in the world and capable of winning the World Cup, which makes the encounter a significant experience for his players.

While acknowledging the heavy defeat Nigeria suffered in their last meeting with Portugal, Chelle dismissed any concerns about past results, insisting that the focus is on growth and improvement rather than fear or pressure.

He added that the Super Eagles must approach the game with the right mentality and continue building their identity, regardless of the outcome.

For Chelle, the primary objective remains development, tactical discipline and gaining valuable experience ahead of future competitions.