Rafael Leão to Miss Nigeria Friendly After Red Card

Rafael Leão, the AC Milan forward, is expected to miss Portugal's final World Cup build-up friendly against Nigeria on Wednesday after receiving a red card during a match against Chile. Leão was sent off shortly before halftime for punching Chilean defender Ivan Román, despite Portugal securing a 2-1 victory with a second-half goal from Gonçalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes reducing the deficit in stoppage time.

This suspension will affect Leão's participation in the friendly against Nigeria, which is Portugal's third warm-up match ahead of the World Cup. Portugal has already won 2-0 against co-host USA and drawn 2-2 with Poland.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will mark the end of their rebuilding window under coach Eric Chell. This match is significant as it follows Nigeria's absence from consecutive tournaments, marking their first missed appearance since 1994.