Lisbon, Portugal— Nigeria’s Super Falcons reminded the world why they are nine-time champions of Africa after holding Portugal to a goalless draw in an intense pre-WAFCON international friendly at the Estádio José Gomes on Monday.
Despite arriving in Lisbon less than 24 hours before kickoff, the Nigerian squad delivered a sharp and spirited performance, underscoring their readiness for the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this July.
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At the heart of the heroic outing was goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Africa’s reigning best female shot-stopper, who put on a world-class display that left Portuguese fans in awe. From the opening whistle to the final moments, Nnadozie was a wall, producing a string of high-quality saves that kept Nigeria in the game.
The match began with an early scare when a loose back pass from Christy Ucheibe gifted Diana Silva a golden chance in the sixth minute, but her effort failed to find the target. Three minutes later, Nnadozie collected a tricky cross with poise, while on the offensive end, Francisca Ordega combined superbly with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, whose clever turn and shot nearly beat Portugal’s goalkeeper Ines Pereira.
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Portugal applied sustained pressure, but the Super Falcons’ defence stood strong, with Chiamaka again rescuing the team in the 24th minute. Nigeria nearly snatched the lead before halftime through Rinsola Babajide, who unfortunately miscontrolled a promising opportunity created by Ordega.
The second half belonged to Chiamaka Nnadozie. Within a span of four minutes, she denied Jessica Silva, Fatima Pinto, and Andreia Norton with saves that would have graced any highlight reel.
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Coach Justin Madugu’s tactical switches paid dividends in the second half, as Ifeoma Onumonu, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Halimatu Ayinde added fresh energy to Nigeria’s attack. The Falcons began to dictate play, and in the 64th minute, Ordega danced through the defence and sent a low ball into the box that narrowly missed conversion.
In the final stretch of the match, Nigeria almost snatched victory. Ordega rattled the crossbar with a thunderous shot from range, while Onumonu narrowly missed converting another cross from the ever-lively Ordega.
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The final whistle confirmed what fans in Lisbon witnessed: a Super Falcons side brimming with fight, flair, and focus. They gave a strong indication that they are not just going to Morocco to participate but to challenge for their 10th continental crown.
Up next, the team departs Lisbon on Wednesday for Casablanca, where they will take on the Black Queens of Ghana in another build-up match on Sunday.
Nigeria’s opening WAFCON 2025 match will be against Tunisia on July 6 in Casablanca.
