Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has underlined his team’s confidence ahead of Nigeria’s high-profile international friendly against Portugal national football team in Leiria on Wednesday.
The fixture will serve as an important test for both sides as they fine-tune preparations and evaluate tactical options ahead of upcoming competitive matches.
Chelle dismissed any suggestion that Nigeria would approach the encounter as underdogs, insisting that the Super Eagles have enough quality to compete at the highest level.
“We are not a small opponent. We come into the game with our strengths and weaknesses,” he said.
The Malian tactician stressed that his focus remains on developing his team’s identity rather than comparisons with their European opponents.
“This is not a question of who is the best team. I'm only thinking about our style and our philosophy,” he added.
He also expressed optimism about the spectacle the match could provide for fans, describing it as a valuable opportunity for both teams.
“It would be a great game,” Chelle concluded.
The Super Eagles head into the clash looking to build on recent positive results, as Chelle continues to shape a competitive squad ahead of future international assignments and qualification campaigns.