🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Rafael Leão to miss Portugal's friendly against Nigeria after red card
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Portugal winger Rafael Leão is expected to miss his country’s final World Cup warm-up match against Nigeria on Wednesday. This follows his red card during Saturday’s friendly against Chile, where he was sent off for punching Chile defender Ivan Román. Despite playing with 10 men, Portugal won the match 2-1. Leão, an AC Milan forward, had recently returned to the starting lineup after previous suspensions and selection decisions. His current dismissal is likely to result in a one-match ban, preventing him from playing against Nigeria. There is also a possibility that his suspension could extend into the World Cup group stage, potentially causing him to miss games against DR Congo and Uzbekistan. The match against Nigeria in Leiria will be Portugal’s third preparatory game before the World Cup. Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, recently drew 2-2 with Poland and had previously won the Unity Cup. The last encounter between Portugal and Nigeria before the 2022 World Cup saw Portugal win 4-0. Nigeria has not qualified for consecutive World Cup tournaments, a first since their 1994 debut.
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