Nigeria’s Super Falcons put on a spirited performance in Lisbon on Monday night, holding Portugal’s national women’s team to a goalless draw in a high-quality pre-WAFCON international friendly at the Estádio José Gomes.

 

Despite arriving in Portugal less than 24 hours before kickoff, the nine-time African champions showed no signs of fatigue, delivering a determined and tactical performance that underscored their intent to challenge for a record-extending 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title next month in Morocco.

 

The standout star of the evening was goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Africa’s reigning best, who turned in a breathtaking display that earned her rave reviews. From early in the game, the Nigerian shot-stopper was alert, smothering a 6th-minute opportunity from Diana Silva after a loose back pass by Christy Ucheibe.

 

Moments later, captain Rasheedat Ajibade nearly gave Nigeria the lead after linking up with the brilliant Francisca Ordega, only to be denied by Portugal’s Ines Pereira in goal.

 

In the first half alone, Nnadozie made several heroic saves, including a crucial stop in the 24th minute as Portugal applied consistent pressure. Nigeria nearly stunned the hosts just before the break, but Rinsola Babajide couldn’t capitalize after another fine run by Ordega.

 

The second half saw even more goalkeeping brilliance from Nnadozie, who denied Jessica Silva, Fatima Pinto, and Andreia Norton in quick succession with world-class reflexes that kept the game level.

 

Substitutions in the second half brought renewed energy, with Ifeoma Onumonu, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Halimatu Ayinde adding steel and creativity to the Nigerian lineup. The Falcons dominated the final 20 minutes, with Ordega rattling the crossbar and Onumonu coming agonizingly close from another inspired move by the winger.

 

The result was a morale-boosting performance against a top European side and a testament to the Super Falcons’ readiness for continental duty.

 

Nigeria now heads to Casablanca, Morocco, on Wednesday, where they will face fierce West African rivals Ghana’s Black Queens in another preparatory fixture on Sunday.

 

The Super Falcons will open their 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign against Tunisia on Sunday, July 6, also in Casablanca.

 

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Match Summary:

• Final Score: Portugal 0–0 Nigeria

• Venue: Estádio José Gomes, Lisbon

• Standout Player: Chiamaka Nnadozie

• Next Fixture: Ghana vs. Nigeria (Friendly, June 30, Casablanca)

• WAFCON Opener: Nigeria vs. Tunisia, July 6, Casablanca

 

Nigeria’s quest for a historic 10th WAFCON title is well and truly on course.