Rafael Leão Set To Miss Portugal Friendly Against Nigeria After Red Card

Portugal could be without winger Rafael Leão for Wednesday’s international friendly against the Super Eagles of Nigeria after the AC Milan forward was sent off in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Chile.

Rafael Leão was shown a red card shortly before half-time after punching Chile defender Ivan Román in the face during Portugal’s latest World Cup warm-up match.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, Portugal recovered in the second half to secure victory. Goals from Gonçalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes put the Europeans in control before Román pulled one back deep into stoppage time.

The dismissal came in Leão’s first start after missing several recent matches for club side AC Milan through suspension and selection decisions made by coach Massimiliano Allegri.

The 26-year-old is now expected to serve at least a one-match suspension, which would rule him out of Portugal’s final World Cup preparation fixture against Nigeria at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria.

There is also uncertainty over whether the ban could stretch into Portugal’s World Cup campaign, potentially affecting group-stage matches against DR Congo and Uzbekistan.

Wednesday’s encounter will be Portugal’s third and final tune-up game before departing for the World Cup. They have already recorded victories over the USA and Chile as preparations gather pace.

The match will bring to a close another rebuilding window under coach Eric Chelle. Naija News reports that the Super Eagles drew 2-2 with Poland in Warsaw last Wednesday after earlier victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica helped them retain the Unity Cup title in London.

Nigeria and Portugal last met ahead of the 2022 World Cup, when Portugal claimed a convincing 4-0 win.

Like four years ago, Nigeria will not feature at this year’s tournament, marking the first time since making their World Cup debut in 1994 that the Super Eagles have failed to qualify for consecutive editions.