The Super Falcons delivered a solid performance in Lisbon, holding Portugal to a hard-fought 0-0 draw at the Estádio José Gomes. The match served as their final warm-up ahead of next month’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was the standout, making a string of crucial saves including a point-blank block in the 54th minute and earning praise for keeping a clean sheet under sustained Portuguese pressure. Despite Portugal dominating much of possession and pressing relentlessly, Nigeria remained compact and disciplined.
Their midfield occasionally struggled to build rhythm, but the defensive structure held firm. Head coach Justine Madugu fielded a mix of experienced internationals such as Rasheedat Ajibade and Francisca Ordega and emerging talents like Ifeoma Onumonu, Halimatu Ayinde and Ashleigh Plumptre.
With the result keeping them unbeaten in pre‑WAFCON friendlies (following a 2‑0 win over Cameroon), the Falcons will head to Morocco to face Ghana’s Black Queens on 29 June before kicking off their tournament group games.
Editorial
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We’ve observed the build-up, and this draw offers reassurance without blinding optimism. A goalless stalemate against Portugal on foreign soil reveals grit, organisation, and mental strength. We feel for Nnadozie, whose performance spoke volumes. A goalkeeper’s confidence filters through a squad her command under fire will embolden the entire defence. Her form is a reminder that clean sheets cultivate belief.
We recognise the midfield’s inconsistencies under pressure. While the team defended admirably, success in Morocco will demand sharper transitions and control in key moments. These areas cannot be overlooked. We believe this campaign hinges on balance defensive solidity and midfield coherence. The upcoming clash with Ghana offers another challenge to calibrate tactics, especially in engaging ball retention and attacking fluency.
We remain convinced that with the discipline on display and the leadership in goal, Nigeria possess the foundations of a title contender. Now, we urge the Falcons to sharpen the missing links—tempo, creativity, composure to transform resilience into championship pedigree.
Did You Know?
- Chiamaka Nnadozie stands at 1.74 m and began her senior international career in 2016 at just 17 years old.
- Nigeria have previously hosted Portugal in 2021, in a friendly that ended 3-3.
- The Super Falcons flew via Casablanca to Lisbon, training briefly at Abuja’s MKO Abiola Stadium and Turf Arena ahead of the trip.
- Nigeria’s WAFCON opener against Tunisia is set for 6 July at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
- The NFF launched its Mission X campaign to rally support across Nigeria and the diaspora for a record-extending tenth WAFCON title.
