Nigeria’s Super Falcons held Portugal to an entertaining goalless draw on Monday night in a pre-WAFCON friendly match at the Estádio José Gomes in Lisbon, showing resilience and determination despite arriving in the country just hours before kickoff.
The nine-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champions delivered a solid performance against the hosts, using the match to fine-tune their preparations for the 2025 WAFCON tournament set to kick off in Morocco. Nigeria will begin their campaign against Tunisia on Sunday, July 6, in Casablanca.
The friendly got off to a tense start, with the Super Falcons surviving an early scare in the 6th minute. A misjudged back pass from Christy Ucheibe gifted Portugal’s Diana Silva a scoring chance, but her shot went wide. From that point on, Nigeria settled into the game and showed why they remain one of Africa’s strongest sides.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, widely regarded as the best on the continent, was in top form. She confidently claimed a dangerous cross in the 9th minute and followed it up with several key saves throughout the match. Her standout moment came early in the second half, when she made three brilliant stops in quick succession to deny Jessica Silva, Fatima Pinto, and Andreia Norton.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade nearly broke the deadlock with a powerful shot after being set up by Francisca Ordega, but Portugal’s goalkeeper Ines Pereira was equal to the task. Just before halftime, Rinsola Babajide missed a clear opportunity, sending her effort wide under pressure.
In the second half, Ordega continued to cause problems for the Portuguese defense, hitting the crossbar in the 70th minute and almost setting up Ifeoma Onumonu moments later. Substitutes Ashleigh Plumptre and Halimatu Ayinde also added spark, but despite Nigeria’s attacking intent, the match ended 0-0.
Portugal’s fans applauded the Super Falcons at full-time, impressed by their energy and skill. Nigeria will now head to Casablanca on Wednesday to prepare for another friendly, this time against Ghana’s Black Queens, as they continue their quest for a record 10th WAFCON title.
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