Roberto Martinez has predicted a tough challenge for his team ahead of their international friendly against Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Wednesday night, according to reports.

The Portuguese national team, known as the Portugal national football team, will host the three-time African champions at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The match is also seen as important preparation for Portugal, who are expected to face another African side, the DR Congo national football team, during the tournament group stage.

Martinez described Nigeria’s Nigeria national football team as a strong and tactically flexible side, adding that the encounter would be a valuable test for his squad ahead of the World Cup.

“Against Nigeria, we have an opportunity to work on aspects that are similar to the strengths that Congo also has. It’s a different African team, with a lot of tactical flexibility. It’s a demanding opponent, it’s another test to prepare our group,” Martinez was quoted by Portuguese outlet O Jogo.

On team selection, the Portugal coach said the focus remains on preparing players and managing fitness ahead of the tournament.

“No. In the first game, there weren’t five or six players, plus Diogo Costa. We continue, it’s the last preparation game before the World Cup, but our focus is individual, trying to recover and give minutes to the players who need it,” he said.

“Our first objective is to get the players on the plane to Miami prepared for the World Cup. That’s the number one objective. We want to win. In football, you need to expect the unexpected… we have aspects that we need to improve.”

Portugal will use the friendly as one of their final tune-ups before heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.