Super Eagles Camp Swells Ahead of Portugal Showdown as Iwobi Arrives and Chelle Calls Up Fresh Defensive Cover

The Super Eagles' preparation for their highly anticipated international friendly against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal has received a massive lift following the arrival of Fulham playmaker Alex Iwobi at the team's training base in Lisbon.

Nigeria travelled directly to Portugal from Warsaw on Thursday morning with a 19-man contingent, fresh from their hard-fought 2-2 draw against Poland. Head coach Eric Chelle’s tactical options have been immediately bolstered with Iwobi checking into camp alongside Genk defender Christian Akpan, who was handed a late call-up to provide much-needed competition at left-back.

Meanwhile, winger Samuel Chukwueze is expected to link up with his international teammates on Friday morning. The AC Milan forward was granted an extended compassionate leave following the recent burial of his mother in Abia State.

Whilst the squad is gaining key reinforcements, Chelle will have to navigate the upcoming blockbuster fixture without Pisa striker Rafiu Durosinmi. The forward, who featured during Nigeria's successful Unity Cup run in London, has been officially excused from the Portuguese leg of the tour to attend to urgent personal matters.

The team will also remain without reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen and Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, both of whom were omitted from the initial summer itinerary.

Despite the high-profile absentees, Chelle remains highly optimistic about his team's depth. The Super Eagles are eager to preserve their remarkable 23-match unbeaten streak in regulation time when they walk out at the Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday evening.