Bruno Fernandes Nets Brace, Emmanuel Dennis Misses Penalty As Portugal Thrash Nigeria in Friendly

• Portugal versus Nigeria ended in a heavy defeat for the Super Eagles who were whitewashed in Lisbon
• The highly-entertaining encounter was dominated by the World Cup-bound Selecao who fired on all cylinders
• Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes netted a brace, while Goncalo Ramos and Joao Mario got a goal each

The Super Eagles of Nigeria were walloped 4-0 at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, by the World Cup-bound Portugal.

Although it was an international friendly, Portugal dominated the West African side right from the very start of the game until the end.

It took just eight minutes before the Portuguese side opened the scoring, as Joao Félix lifted through a lovely ball for Diogo Dalot, who was suddenly in behind the defence and thundering into the Nigeria area.

Dalot showed excellent composure as he waited for a moment before squaring the ball to Bruno Fernandes, who tucked home from close range, AS reports.

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In the 34th minute, debutant Osayi-Samuel handled the ball in the Nigerian area to gift the hosts a penalty.

Fernandes stepped up and struck it into the right-hand corner, sending goalkeeper Francis Uzoho the wrong way and extending Portugal's lead to 2-0.

In the 80th minute, Nigeria were handed a chance to get back into the game ​​​​​​​after Diogo Dalot shoved over Osayi-Samuel just inside the Portugal area, and the referee pointed to the spot.

​​​​​​​Emmanuel Dennis, who had replaced Moses Simon moments earlier, stepped up to take the shot but his effort was weak and goalkeeper Rui Patrício made an easy save.

One minute later, it was 3-0 ​​​​​​​after Guerreiro made an impressive effort upfront and got acres of space, before setting up debutant Gonçalo Ramos to tuck the ball home from six yards.

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It only took another two minutes for Portugal to get yet another goal, and this time ​​​​​​​it was Joao Mário who sidefooted into the net. The match ended Portugal 4 - Nigeria 0.

Why Cristiano Ronaldo missed out

Meanwhile, Sports Brief earlier reported that Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of Portugal's squad for the international friendly with the Super Eagles.

Coach Fernando Santos confirmed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner had a stomach bug and would not be available for the match.

Ronaldo and his teammates are currently at the camp in Portugal, as they prepare ahead of their campaign at the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar.