Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a disciplined and spirited performance on Monday night, securing a goalless draw against Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio José Gomes in Lisbon.
The match, part of Nigeria’s preparations for next month’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, was highlighted by an outstanding display from goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. The reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year was in exceptional form, pulling off a string of crucial saves to deny the hosts and help Nigeria earn a valuable result away from home.
Despite arriving in Lisbon less than 24 hours before kick-off, the Falcons showed no signs of fatigue. The team looked sharp and organized from the outset, matching the 22nd-ranked Portuguese side stride for stride. Nigeria currently sits 14 places behind Portugal in the FIFA rankings.
Portugal nearly opened the scoring in the sixth minute following a wayward back pass from Christy Ucheibe, but Nnadozie reacted swiftly to thwart the danger. Just three minutes later, she calmly dealt with a threatening cross, demonstrating the poise and assurance that have made her one of the continent’s most respected shot-stoppers.
The Super Falcons created chances of their own, with Francisca Ordega leading the charge in the 11th minute. Her incisive run into the box ended with a clever pass to team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, whose sharp turn and quick shot almost caught Portuguese goalkeeper Ines Pereira off guard.
Nnadozie remained a towering presence throughout the first half, making several key saves. Ordega was again involved just before the break, setting up Rinsola Babajide, whose heavy touch saw the opportunity go begging.
In the second half, the Nigerian keeper took her performance to an even higher level. Within minutes, she made three top-class stops, denying Jessica Silva, Fatima Pinto, and Andreia Norton in quick succession to preserve the deadlock.
Head coach Randy Waldrum introduced Ifeoma Onumonu, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Halimatu Ayinde in the second half to inject fresh energy, and the Falcons responded positively. Ordega came close to breaking the deadlock with a powerful long-range shot that rattled the crossbar, while Onumonu narrowly missed connecting with another of her dangerous crosses.
Although the match ended 0-0, it was a performance filled with positives for the Super Falcons, who showed grit, cohesion, and quality ahead of their continental campaign.
The Nigerian team will now travel to Casablanca on Wednesday, where they are scheduled to take on Ghana’s Black Queens in another preparatory friendly on Sunday. Nigeria’s first match at the WAFCON is set for July 6 against Tunisia.
Monday’s result in Lisbon is a morale boost for the squad and fans alike, with Nnadozie’s brilliance reinforcing confidence as the team embarks on “Mission X” — the quest for a record-extending 10th African title.
