Nigeria’s Super Falcons demonstrated both grit and flair as they battled Portugal to an entertaining 0-0 draw in Lisbon on Monday.
Despite arriving in Portugal barely 24 hours before kickoff, the nine-time African champions showed no signs of travel fatigue. The nine-time African champions controlled key moments of the match and held their own against the formidable hosts.
Right from the opening exchanges, the Falcons settled quickly. A misplaced back pass from Christy Ucheibe nearly gifted Diana Silva a clear chance in the sixth minute. However, the forward’s tame shot spared Nigeria early blushes.
As the game progressed, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, recently crowned Africa’s best, reminded fans of her world-class ability by commanding her area with ease, notably plucking crosses and frustrating Portugal’s attacking moves.
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Meanwhile, the attacking trio of Francisca Ordega, Rasheedat Ajibade and Rinsola Babajide proved lively on the break. Ordega’s fine dribble and clever pass in the ninth minute released Ajibade, whose sharp turn and effort almost caught Portugal’s Ines Pereira off guard. Moments later, Nnadozie was again called into action, pulling off another stunning save as the Portuguese pressed hard.
Nnadozie’s heroics lift spirited Falcons
Despite waves of Portuguese attacks, Nnadozie stood unshaken. She denied Jessica Silva, Fatima Pinto and Andreia Norton in quick succession early in the second half. The defensive wall of Nigeria, marshalled by Osinachi Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre, refused to be breached. Both players kept the hosts at bay with last-ditch tackles and smart positioning.
Nigeria’s substitutions injected new energy, as Ifeoma Onumonu and Halimatu Ayinde helped swing momentum. Ordega remained a constant threat. The veteran rattled the crossbar with a powerful drive and created a golden opportunity for Onumonu, who narrowly missed converting her teasing cross.
As the game wore on, the Super Falcons grew bolder, pushing Portugal deep into their half and winning the admiration of the home crowd.
Nigeria now shifts focus to their next friendly against Ghana’s Black Queens in Casablanca. The team open their WAFCON campaign against Tunisia on July 6.
Tags: Super Falcons, #MissionX, #WAFCON2024, Portugal, #SoarSuperFalcons, #Team9jaStrong, Francisca Ordega, Rasheedat Ajibade, Rinsola Babajide, Chiamaka Nnadozie.
