Portugal secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 warm-up victory over Nigeria, but the match left striker Cristiano Ronaldo with regrets. The 41-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid star failed to add to his men's international record of 143 goals despite being presented with clear-cut chances in both halves.

The five-time world player of the year was substituted in the 65th minute, having played longer than any other outfield starter. Ronaldo will make his record-tying sixth World Cup appearance.

Francisco Conceicao scored the winner in the 75th minute, cutting in from the right and curling a shot into the far corner. Pedro Neto had given Portugal the lead in the 23rd minute, but Akor Adams equalized for Nigeria 14 minutes later.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez made eight changes at halftime to give playing time to as many squad members as possible. Portugal is in Group K alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. They begin their campaign next Wednesday against DRC in Houston, Texas.

Source: www.aljazeera.com