Super Eagles striker Akor Adams will face off against Portugal in a friendly match on Wednesday at the Dr. Magalhães Pessoa Stadium in Leiria, with a familiar face in the referee’s booth — Spanish official Mateo Busquets, who has overseen three of Adams’ matches since the forward joined Sevilla. The appointment, confirmed by the Portuguese Football Federation, adds a unique layer to the encounter, as Busquets has already officiated key games involving the Nigerian attacker during his time in La Liga. This includes two away fixtures last season — against Getafe and Villarreal — where Adams scored in the victory over Villarreal, showcasing his impact under the same referee’s watch.
Busquets, 32, also took charge of the Sevilla derby between Real Betis and Sevilla during Adams’ first season in Spain, a match in which the striker came on as a substitute in the second half. His familiarity with Adams’ playing style and movements on the pitch could influence how he manages the game, particularly in tight situations involving the Nigerian forward. The referee’s team includes assistants Iñigo Cerin and Guadalupe Ayuso, both from Spain, ensuring a consistent officiating crew from the same country.
The video assistant referee (VAR) duties will be handled by fellow Spaniards Valentin Gomez and Raul Frances, while Gustavo Correia will serve as the fourth official. This all-Spanish officiating crew underscores the strong presence of Spanish football officials in international fixtures, even when matches involve teams from other nations. The decision to appoint Busquets reflects a growing trend of selecting referees with prior experience in the domestic leagues of the teams involved, aiming for better understanding of player styles and match dynamics.
Ahead of the match, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will hold a pre-match press conference at the Lagoas Park Hotel in Lisbon on Tuesday afternoon. The event will offer fans and media insight into Nigeria’s preparations and tactical approach for the encounter with Portugal. Chelle’s comments may shed light on how the team plans to counter Portugal’s strengths and whether Adams will start or come off the bench.
The friendly serves as an important tune-up for both nations ahead of upcoming qualifiers and international tournaments. For Nigeria, it’s an opportunity to test new strategies and build cohesion under Chelle’s leadership. The presence of a referee familiar with one of their key players adds a subtle but notable dimension to the game, potentially influencing how the match unfolds. As the Super Eagles aim to strengthen their competitive edge, this fixture in Leiria could prove a valuable step forward in their international campaign.
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