PSG’s Champions League-winning quartet link up with Portugal squad before Nigeria clash

Paris Saint-Germain quartet Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves and Gonçalo Ramos are reportedly set to link up with the Portugal national team on Saturday, four days before their high-profile friendly against three-time African champions Nigeria.

The four players had yet to report for international duty as of Friday, having been involved in PSG’s Champions League final triumph last Saturday. 

Mendes, Vitinha and Neves all started against Arsenal, while Ramos was introduced from the bench in second-half stoppage time.

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Friday’s training session was the last conducted without the PSG contingent, with all four players expected to join the squad for team training on Saturday.

Although they are unlikely to feature in Portugal’s friendly against Chile at the Estádio Nacional do Jamor on Saturday, the quartet should be available for next Wednesday’s meeting with the Super Eagles, provided they remain injury-free.

Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez is expected to have a full complement of players available for the clash against Nigeria. 

However, the same cannot be said for Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle, who will be without several key members of his squad.

Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman withdrew from the squad following a demanding season, while Ola Aina was omitted from the travelling party after missing the closing stages of the campaign through injury.

Meanwhile, Portugal have received an additional boost ahead of their upcoming friendlies, with former Chelsea forward João Félix taking part in the first 15 minutes of Friday’s training session that were open to the media.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel