Nigeria’s Super Falcons showed class, grit, and resilience on Monday night as they battled hosts Portugal to an impressive 0-0 draw in a pre-WAFCON friendly at the Estádio José Gomes in Lisbon.
Despite arriving in the Portuguese capital less than 24 hours before kick-off, the nine-time African champions displayed no signs of travel fatigue, holding their own against a highly-rated Portuguese side in a match that underlined Nigeria’s readiness for the Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year, Chiamaka Nnadozie, was the standout performer, pulling off a string of remarkable saves to keep the home team at bay. Portugal nearly capitalised on a back pass by Christy Ucheibe in the 6th minute, but Diana Silva’s effort missed the target. Three minutes later, Nnadozie confidently claimed a cross, setting the tone for what would be a memorable evening for the Paris FC shot-stopper.
The Super Falcons carved out their first real chance in the 9th minute when the lively Francisca Ordega cut into the box and teed up captain Rasheedat Ajibade, whose sharp turn and shot almost caught Portuguese goalkeeper Ines Pereira off guard.
Nnadozie was called into action again in the 24th minute, and her agility and bravery frustrated wave after wave of Portuguese attacks. Just before halftime, Nigeria could have snatched the lead when Rinsola Babajide miscued an opportunity after another brilliant run by Ordega was halted at the last moment.
The second half saw Nnadozie elevate her performance even further, producing three top-drawer saves within a four-minute spell to deny Jessica Silva, Fatima Pinto, and Andreia Norton.
The introduction of Ifeoma Onumonu, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Halimatu Ayinde midway through the second period injected fresh energy into the Nigerian side.
Nigeria dominated the closing stages, with Ordega rattling the crossbar from distance and Onumonu coming close again after another well-worked move. In the end, the Falcons earned a deserved draw and left a strong impression on the Portuguese crowd with their disciplined and enterprising performance.
The team will depart Lisbon for Casablanca on Wednesday, where they face eternal rivals Ghana’s Black Queens in another friendly on Sunday.
The Super Falcons open their campaign at the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, 6th July, against Tunisia in Casablanca.
