The Super Eagles will face Portugal without defender Igoh Ogbu after he suffered a suspected left Achilles tendon rupture during training.
Team medics confirmed the injury on Saturday in Leiria. Ogbu, 26, will return to Slavia Prague for further assessment. He had started Nigeria’s last match—a 2-2 draw with Poland—and earned 12 caps since debuting in May 2025.
His absence leaves coach Eric Chelle with a defensive reshuffle. Semi Ajayi and Emmanuel Fernandez are the leading candidates to partner Calvin Bassey at centre-back. Both players have trained with the squad this week and are expected to step up.
The friendly against Portugal kicks off on Wednesday in Lisbon. Portugal, preparing for the 2026 World Cup, will test Nigeria’s reorganized backline without key attackers Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
Ogbu’s injury also disrupts his club season. Slavia Prague recently secured their second consecutive Czech league title with Ogbu anchoring the defence. He will now miss the early stages of next season.
