Portugal call up Ronaldo, Fernandes for Nigeria friendly ahead of World Cup

Portugal have included veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo and midfielder Bruno Fernandes in their 27-man squad for next month’s international friendly against Nigeria as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Head coach Roberto Martínez unveiled the squad on Tuesday ahead of the June 10 clash with the Super Eagles at the Dr. Magalhães Pessoa Stadium in Portugal.

The fixture forms part of Portugal’s build-up to the World Cup, where the European giants have been drawn in Group K alongside DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.

Portugal will open their campaign against DR Congo at Houston’s NRG Stadium one week after facing Nigeria.

Ronaldo is set to spearhead the Seleção once again in what is widely expected to be the final World Cup appearance of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Fernandes also made the squad following a standout campaign at club level, with Martínez retaining the core of the team that recently won the UEFA Nations League title.

Portugal’s roster features a strong mix of established stars and younger talents across Europe’s elite leagues.

The goalkeeping department includes Diogo Costa, José Sá, Rui Silva and Ricardo Velho, while defenders named in the squad are Rúben Dias, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, Tomás Araújo, Renato Veiga, Matheus Nunes and Nelson Semedo.

Midfield selections include Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, João Neves, Vitinha, Rúben Neves and Samuel Costa.

In attack, Ronaldo will be joined by Rafael Leão, João Félix, Gonçalo Ramos, Pedro Neto, Francisco Trincão, Francisco Conceição and Gonçalo Guedes.

Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 the last time both countries met in an international friendly in November 2022, although Ronaldo did not feature in that encounter.

Meanwhile, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle is yet to announce his squad for the game but has already hinted that he will field a competitive side despite the Super Eagles missing out on qualification for the World Cup.

The friendly is expected to attract major attention given the quality of players on display and the long-standing reputation of both football nations.