Nigeria’s Super Falcons demonstrated both resilience and areas for improvement as they held Portugal to a goalless draw in a friendly match at the Estádio José Gomes in Lisbon. This encounter served as a vital part of Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where they aim for an unprecedented 10th African title, a mission dubbed “Mission X.”

A standout performance from goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, the reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year, was pivotal in securing the draw. Nnadozie displayed exceptional form throughout the match, making a series of crucial saves to deny the Portuguese hosts. Early in the first half, she swiftly reacted to a poor back pass from Christy Ucheibe to prevent a goal in the sixth minute, and calmly collected a dangerous cross three minutes later. Her heroics continued after the break, with three top-class saves within a short period, stopping efforts from Jessica Silva, Fatima Pinto, and Andreia Norton, effectively keeping the score level.

Despite arriving in Lisbon less than a day before the game, the Super Falcons initially played with confidence and energy, showing no signs of travel fatigue against Portugal, who are ranked 14 places higher. However, the nine-time African champions acknowledged that they did not consistently raise their game to the quality seen at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia last year. They often struggled with possession turnover and heavily relied on the individual brilliance of captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Nnadozie, alongside quick counters, to keep pace with their opponents.

Nigeria also created their own scoring opportunities. Francisca Ordega made a strong run into the box in the 11th minute, setting up captain Rasheedat Ajibade, whose quick turn and shot nearly surprised Portuguese goalkeeper Ines Pereira. Just before halftime, Ordega again created an opening, but Rinsola Babajide overhit the ball. In the second half, Ordega continued to impress, hitting the crossbar with a long-range effort, while substitute Ifeoma Onumonu narrowly missed connecting with another of her crosses. Substitutions in the second half, which also included Ashleigh Plumptre and Halimatu Ayinde, injected fresh energy into the Nigerian side, allowing them to push forward.

The Super Falcons remain unbeaten in their WAFCON build-up, having previously defeated Cameroon 2-0 at home. Following this match, the team will travel to Casablanca to face Ghana’s Black Queens in another friendly on Sunday, before their WAFCON opening game against Tunisia on July 6. Monday’s performance in Lisbon, highlighted by Nnadozie’s top form and the team’s resilience, provides valuable confidence as they continue their preparations for the challenges ahead in Morocco.