Portugal and Manchester United Midfielder Bruno Fernandes is disappointed over the Nigeria Super Eagles’ poor performance against his side in the International Friendly match played in Lisbon on Thursday.
A miserable display by the Super Eagles against the Portuguese team in their friendly explained in clear terms why Nigeria was ousted from the 32 teams that flew out to Qatar to play the 2022 FIFA World Cup that started on Sunday, November 20.
Despite playing the international friendly match without the Portuguese talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo, who had a stomach bug during training on Wednesday, the Super Eagles proved they were far below standard.
Two goals from the 28-year-old United midfielder Bruno Fernandes and goals from Gonçalo Ramos and João Mário gave Portugal the victory over Nigeria.
However, what would have prevented the four goals and given the Super Eagles hope of a great comeback when they were two goals down was ruined by Emmanuel Dennis who missed from the spot after Dalot fouled Osayi-Samuel.
Portugal could have scored more goals which inspired Fernandes to claim that the Super Eagles did not even attempt to put up a challenge with them as the Portuguese dominated at all levels throughout the 90 minutes.
Fernandes, ahead of their World Cup opener against Ghana on Thursday, November 24, revealed that they wanted to play against a strong team that would contend with them but they were disappointed because the substandard Nigeria Super Eagles were the only available team.
Fernandes said: “Our match against Nigeria was not on the standard we wanted. Their level was not on a world-class required standard.”
Despite Portugal’s 4-0 win, the International friendly against Nigeria looks like a failed agenda to Bruno Fernandes.
The 28-year-old Portuguese midfielder further revealed since they wish to play an international friendly with a tough team that didn’t materialize, his side would have to level up their game as they will lock horns with World class national teams in the World Cup competition.
He added: “So here in Qatar we will face the World best. We wanted to play a tough national team, but all of them were already occupied. Nigeria was the only one available. They didn’t test us at all “
Portugal will open their Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Campaign against Ghana on Thursday, November 24, and Fernandes will hopefully be one of the Portuguese stars that will shine in the game.
The 28-year-old has seen his role for Manchester United change since Erik ten Hag took over as the coach.
Bruno’s numbers in terms of goals and assists have taken a hit, including the brace for Portugal in their warm-up friendly against Nigeria.
Bruno Fernandes was at the heart of everything good about the Portuguese team in their international friendly and speaking after the match, he admitted that he is aiming to score more goals in Qatar as they prepare to face Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea.
Portugal is one of the favorite teams to win the World Cup and Bruno Fernandes alongside other United stars in the team like Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Dalot will strive to hopefully lift the legendary World Cup trophy on December 18.
Portugal will face Ghana in their World Cup opener on Thursday, 24th November 2022 at 17:00 BST.
