Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a gutsy performance to hold Portugal to a goalless draw in an international friendly in Lisbon on Monday night, Footynaija.com reports.
Portugal, ranked 22nd in the world and 14 places above Nigeria in the FIFA rankings, were widely tipped to win, especially against a travel-weary Nigerian side that only arrived in Lisbon late on Sunday night via Morocco — less than 18 hours before kickoff — due to administrative issues.
However, the Super Falcons defied the odds with a spirited and resilient display that earned them a well-deserved share of the spoils against their more fancied hosts.
The Portuguese dominated possession for large spells and regularly tested Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was in inspired form. The former Paris FC star produced no fewer than seven outstanding point-blank saves to keep the scores level and frustrate the home crowd.
Despite Portugal’s pressure, Nigeria created the best chances of the second half. Francisca Ordega came closest to breaking the deadlock when her long-range effort rattled the crossbar with the Portuguese goalkeeper caught off her line.
Ordega was also at the heart of another promising move, delivering a perfect cross for substitute Ifeoma Onumonu, who only needed a simple touch to score. But the Montpellier striker narrowly failed to connect.
In the end, the entertaining draw will feel like a victory for the Super Falcons, who showed tremendous character despite difficult circumstances.
The team will continue their preparations for the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with one final warm-up match against Ghana on June 29.
Nigeria, the tournament’s most successful team, will be aiming to win the WAFCON for a record-extending 10th time.