Lisbon, Portugal – June 24, 2025
Nigeria’s Super Falcons sent a strong message of intent ahead of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as they battled Portugal to a goalless draw in a high-octane international friendly at the Estádio José Gomes in Lisbon on Monday evening.
Despite arriving in Lisbon less than 24 hours before kick-off, the nine-time African champions shrugged off travel fatigue to deliver a spirited performance that left their hosts stunned and the home crowd in admiration.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, recently crowned Africa’s best, delivered a masterclass between the sticks, making a string of breathtaking saves that kept Nigeria level against a relentless Portuguese attack. Her performance, including three world-class stops in the second half, was the standout feature of a contest that blended defensive resilience with flashes of attacking brilliance.
Portugal came close to an early lead after a misjudged back pass by Christy Ucheibe in the 6th minute gifted Diana Silva a sight at goal, but she fired wide. Just minutes later, Nnadozie confidently claimed a dangerous cross, while Francisca Ordega orchestrated Nigeria’s first real opportunity by setting up captain Rasheedat Ajibade, whose turn and strike tested goalkeeper Ines Pereira.
The Falcons nearly snatched the lead just before the break, but Rinsola Babajide’s effort went astray after Ordega was denied by a last-gasp tackle.
In the second half, Nigeria absorbed sustained pressure from the Portuguese side, with Nnadozie denying Silva, Pinto, and Norton in quick succession. The introduction of Ifeoma Onumonu, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Halimatu Ayinde added fresh energy to Nigeria’s play, pushing the team into a more dominant position.
Ordega came close to scoring with a powerful long-range shot that rattled the crossbar, while Onumonu narrowly missed a glorious chance from yet another Ordega delivery into the box.
At the final whistle, it was a result and performance that underlined the Falcons’ readiness for WAFCON 2025. The team’s blend of grit, technical finesse, and tactical organization earned them plaudits from fans and pundits alike.
The Falcons are set to fly out to Casablanca on Tuesday ahead of another preparatory clash — this time against familiar West African foes, Ghana’s Black Queens, scheduled for Sunday. Nigeria will kick off their 13th WAFCON campaign on July 6 against Tunisia.
