Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle believes Portugal possess all the attributes required to emerge as the next FIFA World Cup champions, reports Completesports.com reports.
Portugal, popularly known as Seleção das Quinas, are among the leading contenders to dethrone Argentina as world champions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Roberto Martinez’s squad boasts an array of world-class talent, including veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo, midfield maestros Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, as well as rising stars Vitinha and João Neves.
Portugal Among Favourites To Win Title
Chelle, whose side will take on Portugal in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night, praised the depth of quality within Roberto Martinez’s squad, describing them as a team packed with some of the finest talents in world football.
“In every department on the field, they are good. In defence, they are strong. Of course, their full-backs are very fast and quick,” Chelle told a press conference.
“The midfielders play well with the ball, and they have the biggest star in the world, a striker, and their wingers are so fast.
“The way that this team plays, when they don’t have the ball, when they lose the ball, they try to put some pressure on the opponent. When they have the ball, they try to play deep end. This is a good team, and they have all.
Read Also:Why Playing Against Super Eagles Is A Big Opportunity For Portugal – Chelle
“I watched their game against Chile. I was in the stadium, and it was a good game. The atmosphere was so good, and the game was good. I was a little disappointed after the red card.
“And once again, this team, in one month, can be the next world champion. This is a big chance for us to play against Portugal in their country.”
Chelle Not Thinking About Revenge
Portugal cruised to a 4-0 victory over the Super Eagles when the two sides last met in November 2022.
However, Chelle insists tonight’s friendly is not about settling old scores or seeking revenge. Instead, he views the contest as another important step in the ongoing development of his team.
“The first thing is that we are playing a big team. So normally this (Portugal) team (can be the next world champions), so this is the big team,” Chelle added.
“As Wily (Ndidi) said, there are many big players in that team. So, we are very happy to have this chance to play against them.
“My only concern now is that the team stay focused, stick to our philosophy and the way that we want to play this game. This is not a question about the result.
“The most important goal and objective is to improve at every game. We have to come in that game with a great state of mind.”
By Adeboye Amosu
