Fernandes Nets Brace As Portugal Edge Past Nigeria

Manchester United midfielder, Bruno Fernandes scored twice as Portugal cruised past Nigeria four goals to nil.

Portugal’s last exhibition match before departing for Qatar for the 2022 World Cup saw them easily defeat Jose Peseiro’s men at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon on Thursday night.

The decisive victory was secured by a brace from the Portuguese vice-captain in the first half and goals from Joao Mario and Goncalo Ramos in the second half.

Early pressure from Portugal paid off in the ninth minute when Fernandes scored following a cutback from Diogo Dalot.

Nuno Mendes almost extended Portugal’s advantage in the fifteenth minute, but his left foot curler missed the top corner.

25th minute from the kick-off, Joe Aribo was in the box after receiving a ball from Alex Iwobi, but his shot was blocked for a corner.

Moses Simon fired a low shot in the 30th minute, but Rui Patricio dived to his right to make the save.

After Osayi-Samuel blocked Bernardo Silva’s cross after 35 minutes, Fernandes increased the score to 2-0 from the penalty spot.

The Red Devils star almost scored his hat-trick after slipping past the Super Eagles’ defence and avoiding Francis Uzoho, but his shot missed the target.

Ademola Lookman and Wilfred Ndidi were replaced by Samuel Chukwueze and Frank Onyeka before the second half began for the Eagles, and as Chukwueze sped into the Portuguese neighbourhood, his introduction nearly paid off, but it was unsuccessful.

Felix got a ball inside the box with 15 minutes remaining and fired a low shot that barely missed the target.

On the 81st minute, the Eagles had a chance to lower the score, but Emmanuel Dennis’ penalty was saved.

Portugal Ramos increased the score to 3-0 in the 82nd minute by just tapping into an open goal.

Mario then increased the score to 4-0 by putting the ball into an empty goal after a superb flip pass on minute 84.

On November 24, the Black Stars of Ghana will face off against the 2016 European Champions to start their 2022 World Cup campaign.