Ronaldo misses – Portugal beat Nigeria 2-1 in a World Cup warmup in Leiria, with Cristiano Ronaldo missing multiple clear chances in front of goal and being substituted in the 65th minute. Francisco Conceição’s 75th-minute winner sealed the victory after Pedro Neto opened the
LEIRIA, Portugal — The warmup was meant to be a celebration, but it carried a familiar sting for Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo arrived in Leiria on the back of a men’s international record haul of 143 goals. and with each clear-cut opening that fell his way. the night seemed to be waiting for a defining finish. Instead. the 41-year-old missed chances that should have ended as goals. both times with just the goalkeeper to beat—before he was replaced in the 65th minute.
He played longer than every other outfield player in Portugal’s starting XI. yet the headlines Ronaldo likely wanted never arrived. He still heads to the World Cup set for his record-tying sixth appearance. but with those missed opportunities hanging over a squad that is preparing to move from warmups to the real thing.
Portugal had taken the lead early. Pedro Neto struck in the 23rd minute, giving the home side a foundation to build on. Nigeria responded in the middle of the contest through Akor Adams, who leveled 14 minutes later. For a Nigeria team that had failed to qualify for the World Cup. the equalizer offered a rare lift. and it turned the match into a contest Portugal couldn’t simply coast through.
The winner came with Portugal’s bench making itself felt. Francisco Conceição—one of the 11 replacements—cut in from the right and curled a shot into the far corner in the 75th minute. It was the kind of finish that ends conversations quickly: the game swung back toward Portugal. and the scoreline stayed 2-1.
Portugal now turn their attention fully to the World Cup draw they’ve already been planning for. They are in Group K alongside Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
Portugal vs Nigeria Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup warmup Leiria Francisco Conceição Pedro Neto Akor Adams Group K Congo Uzbekistan Colombia