Nigeria will be without defender Igho Ogbu for their international friendly against Portugal after he sustained an injury during training on Saturday evening, Trybal News reports.
Team medical personnel have described the injury as a suspected rupture of his left Achilles tendon. Further assessments are expected to determine the full extent of the injury and the player’s recovery timeline.
Ogbu had been in contention to feature for the Super Eagles in the high profile encounter against Portugal, and his absence will require adjustments to Nigeria’s defensive options for the match.
The friendly, scheduled to take place at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa, is expected to serve as Portugal’s final major preparation fixture ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Portugal enter the game with one of the strongest squads in international football. Head coach Roberto Martínez has called upon experienced players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Rafael Leão and Rúben Dias.
Nigeria, meanwhile, head into the fixture on the back of positive results, including victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica, as well as a draw against Poland, as they continue preparations for upcoming competitive assignments.
