Portugal match-winner calls for improvement after hard-fought victory over Super Eagles

Francisco Conceição has admitted that Portugal’s narrow 2-1 victory over Nigeria in their World Cup warm-up exposed key areas the team must improve, despite securing a morale-boosting win in Leiria on Wednesday.

The Juventus winger, who scored the decisive goal in the encounter, spoke to RTP in a flash interview after the match and highlighted that the performance revealed both strengths and weaknesses in Portugal’s overall play as they continue preparations for the tournament.

Reflecting on the team’s display and areas for improvement, Conceição stressed the need for continued refinement before the global showpiece begins.

“We always have things to improve, both with and without the ball, that's something the coach knows best,” he said, as quoted by Notícias ao Minuto.

Portugal, who fielded several senior stars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Rúben Dias, were pushed strongly by a disciplined Nigerian side that levelled through Akor Adams after Pedro Neto had given the Europeans the lead.

The Super Eagles remained competitive throughout the contest, forcing Portugal into stretches of discomfort and limiting their control in key phases of the game, a factor Conceição indirectly acknowledged when speaking about the team’s inconsistencies.

With the World Cup fast approaching, the 23-year-old winger also emphasised the importance of making the most of the remaining preparation time to fine-tune their approach and sharpen their collective understanding.

“We still have a few days to prepare for the first World Cup game and that's what we're going to try to do, to arrive at that game as well prepared as possible.”

Conceição’s late winning contribution ultimately ensured Portugal edged the encounter, but the performance has sparked internal reflection within the squad, with the player’s comments reinforcing the sense that improvements are still needed before the tournament begins.