Pedro Neto Ends Four-Month Goal Drought in Portugal’s World Cup Warm-Up Win Over Nigeria

Chelsea winger Pedro Neto returned to the scoresheet on Wednesday evening, ending a four-month goal drought by opening the scoring for Portugal in their international friendly against Nigeria in Leiria.

The strike was Neto’s first goal since 13 February, when he netted in Chelsea’s FA Cup victory over Hull City. In the intervening months, the Portuguese winger had gone without scoring for either club or country — a barren run that spanned nearly four months before Wednesday’s breakthrough.

Neto showed composure to finish off a well-worked Portuguese move, giving Roberto Martinez’s side an early lead against the Super Eagles in what served as a World Cup warm-up fixture. The goal provided the Seleção with the platform they needed in the encounter.

For Neto, the timing could hardly be more significant. Portugal are among the teams preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The winger is expected to form part of a squad that includes Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, and a return to form ahead of the tournament will be welcomed by Martinez’s coaching staff.

Portugal used the clash with Nigeria as one of their final preparatory fixtures before the global tournament gets underway. The Super Eagles, meanwhile, entered the match on the back of a 12-game unbeaten run, according to reports, with that streak coming to an end on the night.

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle had spoken ahead of the match about the absence of striker Victor Osimhen, who was unavailable for the friendly. Despite that setback, Nigeria’s display drew praise from observers, with Chelle himself earning recognition for his tactical approach against one of Europe’s top international sides.

Defender Calvin Bassey was noted for his performance in containing Ronaldo, while forward Ibrahim Akor was credited with a physical showing against Portugal’s defence. Alex Iwobi also reached a milestone during the match, earning his 100th cap for the Super Eagles — a moment acknowledged by Ronaldo himself, according to reports.

For Pedro Neto, the goal represents a timely confidence boost ahead of what promises to be a demanding summer. At club level, the 25-year-old has been an important figure for Chelsea since his arrival, though his season has been punctuated by the kind of dry spell that Wednesday’s finish will have helped to dispel. With the World Cup approaching, all eyes will be on whether he can carry that momentum into Portugal’s opening fixtures at the tournament.