Leão likely to miss Nigeria friendly after red card

Portugal winger Rafael Leão is likely to miss his country's last World Cup warm-up match against Nigeria on Wednesday. He got a red card during Saturday's friendly against Chile, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Leão was sent off just before half-time for hitting Chile defender Ivan Román in the face.

Despite being down to 10 players, Portugal won 2-1. Gonçalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes scored in the second half, while Román scored a late goal to make it 2-1.

The AC Milan player started the match after missing several games due to suspension and coach Max Allegri's choices.

Because of this latest red card, Leão is set to miss Wednesday's match against Nigeria due to the usual one-match ban.

His suspension might also affect Portugal's group matches at the World Cup. He could miss games against DR Congo and Uzbekistan.

Portugal will play Nigeria at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria. This match is their third warm-up game before heading to the World Cup. They previously won 2-0 against both the USA and Chile.

For Nigeria, this match will wrap up a rebuilding phase under coach Eric Chelle.

Last Wednesday, the Super Eagles drew 2-2 with Poland in Warsaw.

Before that, they beat Zimbabwe and Jamaica while reclaiming the Unity Cup title in London.

The last time these two teams faced each other before the 2022 World Cup, Portugal won 4-0.

Just like four years ago, the Super Eagles will not participate in another World Cup. This marks the first time they have missed two consecutive tournaments since their debut in 1994.