The Super Falcons of Nigeria are back in action, and this time, it’s against an ambitious Portuguese side hungry to sharpen their blades ahead of Euro 2025. In what promises to be a compelling international friendly, both nations will lock horns at the historic Estádio José Gomes in Amadora, Portugal, on Monday.
The match is more than just a routine exhibition. For the hosts, it’s a critical test run as they continue to fine-tune their strategy ahead of the UEFA Women’s European Championship. Portugal arrives for this clash brimming with confidence, having secured qualification for Euro 2025 after finishing second in a competitive UEFA Women’s Nations League group. Under the guidance of coach Francisco Neto, the Seleção das Quinas are eager to measure themselves against African champions and perennial World Cup contenders.
Leading the charge for Portugal is seasoned goalkeeper Inês Pereira, a rock between the posts, and the mercurial Jéssica Silva, whose pace and creativity have tormented defenses across Europe. The squad is a balanced mix of battle-hardened veterans and emerging young talents determined to make their mark.
On the other side, the Super Falcons, Africa’s most decorated women’s football team, see this friendly as a vital part of their preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and future international engagements. The team arrives in Lisbon with a formidable lineup, headlined by Benfica’s midfield dynamo Christy Uchiebe, who will relish the opportunity to perform on familiar Portuguese soil.
The Nigerian squad began its preparations with light training sessions in Abuja before jetting out to Lisbon for the final leg of their camp. The team’s technical crew has worked tirelessly to ensure the players are in peak condition for this encounter, blending a mix of youthful energy and seasoned experience.
After tomorrow’s clash, the Super Falcons are scheduled to face regional rivals Ghana in another eagerly anticipated warm-up fixture on the 29th, as both West African powerhouses gear up for the WAFCON..
Fans back home won’t have to miss a moment of the action, with kick-off slated for 7 PM Nigerian time. The match will be broadcast live on Afrosport, Portugal’s Canal 11, and the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) streaming platform, NFF TV.
With both teams looking to lay down a marker, a packed crowd at Estádio José Gomes is expected to witness a spirited contest filled with tactical intrigue, individual brilliance, and national pride.
