The Super Falcons of Nigeria continued their impressive 2024 form with a determined 0-0 draw against Portugal in a friendly encounter played on Monday night in Lisbon. The hard-fought clash offered plenty of promise for head coach Justine Madugu as his team stood firm defensively and threatened in bursts going forward.
Portugal started brightly, applying pressure early in the game. However, Nigeria’s backline, marshalled expertly by Osinachi Ohale and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, absorbed the attacks well. The Portuguese came closest to opening the scoring in the first half, but Nnadozie was equal to the task, pulling off a key save to deny them.
In the early exchanges, both teams spent time sizing each other up, with no clear chances emerging in the opening 20 minutes. Nigeria, playing in their away strip, grew into the match steadily. Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala led the line with intent but couldn’t find the final touch.
The second half brought more urgency from both sides. Nigeria pressed higher up the pitch and looked more assertive in midfield. The introduction of Francisca Ordega added pace and directness to the Falcons’ attack, injecting fresh energy into the final third.
The biggest moment of the match arrived in the 80th minute. Ordega, spotting the Portuguese goalkeeper off her line, launched a brilliant long-range strike that had the crowd gasping. The ball dipped wickedly but crashed off the crossbar, just inches from a stunning winner.
Portugal continued to pose a threat of their own, but the Falcons’ defence stayed organized and composed under pressure. Nnadozie remained alert through the final moments, ensuring Nigeria held firm.
The closing stages included five minutes of stoppage time, but neither side managed a breakthrough. The Super Falcons, however, will be encouraged by their performance and the clean sheet away from home.
With this result, Nigeria extend their unbeaten streak in 2024 and shift focus to their next international outing — a friendly clash against Ghana’s Black Queens scheduled for June 29 in Morocco.