Ronaldo misfires but Portugal beat Nigeria in final World Cup warm-up

Portugal saw off Nigeria 2-1 in Leiria in their last tune-up before the 2026 World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo missed two clear chances, but Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição had the answers.

Cristiano Ronaldo will fly to North America without a goal in his pocket, but Portugal will not mind. They beat Nigeria 2-1 in Leiria in their final warm-up before the 2026 World Cup, as Al Jazeera reported.

Pedro Neto opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, finishing a precise Diogo Dalot cutback to end a four-month international drought. Nigeria levelled in the 36th when Akor Adams bullied his way through the Portuguese defence and beat Diogo Costa with a fine individual effort. Substitute Francisco Conceição settled it in the 74th, cutting inside from the right and hammering into the far corner, per ESPN.

The night belonged to the supporting cast rather than the captain. Ronaldo, now 41, spurned two clear chances with only the goalkeeper to beat and was withdrawn in the 64th minute for Gonçalo Ramos. He stays on 143 international goals, a men's record that needs no padding, Goal noted.

For Portugal the result matters less than the rhythm. A squad blending Ronaldo's experience with the pace of Neto, Conceição and Ramos looks built for a deep run, and the manager will take a win and a workout over a flat draw.

Nigeria's display carried its own message. The Super Eagles did not qualify for 2026, but pushing one of the favourites in their own backyard is the kind of marker Africa's representatives will note as Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and the rest prepare to fly the flag.