What Super Eagles captain Ndidi said before blockbuster friendly against Portugal

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has described Nigeria’s upcoming international friendly against Portugal as a major test for the team, insisting the encounter will serve as an important measure of their progress under head coach Eric Chelle.

Nigeria face the European giants on Wednesday in what is expected to be one of their toughest international challenges in recent times, following their earlier test against Poland.

The fixture forms part of the Super Eagles’ ongoing rebuilding process as they continue to shape a clearer identity and strengthen cohesion within the squad.

Ndidi acknowledged the quality of Portugal’s squad, describing them as one of the strongest sides in world football, while stressing that such matches are essential for the team’s growth and long-term development.

“It will be a very good test for us. We made the first test against Poland and Portugal is a great team, a massive team with big players as well,” Ndidi said during the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

“So, it will also be a very massive test for us as a group, for our vision, for our aim as a team, for our growth, it will be a very good test for us.”

The midfielder also spoke about the influence of head coach Eric Chelle, highlighting the unity and positive environment within the squad since his arrival.

“Eric is a very great manager. He is an amazing guy. The way he brings the team together is really good because everyone is so happy having him around, which is the most important thing to have a group who is ready to fight, work for you as a team, work for the nation,” he said.

On Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ndidi admitted the disappointment but stressed that the focus has shifted toward rebuilding and future ambitions.

“Missing out on the World Cup is really sad, everyone can say that but as I said earlier the aim is not just to beat ourselves on what we’ve missed is to actually look forward to the bright future and what we can actually achieve together as a team,” he said.

He further explained that the team is encouraged by the direction under Chelle, pointing to the philosophy being implemented and the mindset within the squad.

“He has brought in a great philosophy and you see the way we perform at the Afcon. Yes, we couldn’t but it was exciting. And this is a positive thing and the mindset also is very positive going forward and we will look forward to everything, every training, every game like game by game, try to improve,” he added.

Ndidi noted that the Super Eagles are still a work in progress but remain confident in their direction and unity.

“So, we’re not we’re not perfect, but I know we’re getting there. We’re getting to improve every day. This is football. We learn both when we win, when we draw, when we lose, we keep learning. There’s so much confidence in the team with our philosophy,” he said.

He also stressed belief within the squad regardless of opposition, adding that the focus remains on collective performance and execution.

“We believe in ourselves. We don’t care who we’re playing even if we’re playing the likes of the biggest countries in the world. But the most important thing is we as players, we as team which is very important and we look forward to taking our philosophy and our strategy everything to the game,” he said.

Looking ahead, Ndidi reiterated the team’s long-term ambition to consistently qualify for major tournaments and build a stronger competitive identity.

“If it comes out well, very brilliant. We keep learning. If it doesn’t come out well, it’s still brilliant. Yes, we didn’t qualify for this World Cup which was very painful. But what we’re planning now is just for the future. The philosophy as I said earlier, the targets, the aim is to keep improving and we try to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” he said.

“We will try to qualify for every tournament, try to win games, which is very important. The group is very focused. Missing out on the World Cup is very sad, but we just want to look forward. It’s in the past now. We wish the teams at the World Cup good luck, but for us it is about the next competition we can actually qualify for.”

With Portugal ahead, the Super Eagles view the clash as another opportunity to test their structure, mentality, and progress against one of world football’s elite sides.

Wale Adejumo