Former Super Eagles coach Jo Bonfrere has expressed regret that Victor Osimhen's absence from Nigeria's friendly against Portugal robbed fans of what could have been a captivating head-to-head with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking exclusively to Completesports.com on Monday night from his home in the Netherlands, the 79-year-old Dutch tactician said seeing two of football's most influential strikers compete on the same pitch would have been a genuine spectacle.

Nigeria face Portugal at the 23,888-capacity Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pesso in Leiria — only the second senior meeting between the two nations. Portugal claimed a 4-0 win in their first encounter on 17 November 2022 in Lisbon.

Why Osimhen was left out

Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekou Chelle omitted Osimhen from the squad as a fitness management measure and to allow the Galatasaray forward time to resolve his club future with the Turkish side. Ronaldo, meanwhile, continues to play his club football for Al Nassr, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions.