Reigning Africa’s best goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, delivered a memorable performance as Nigeria’s Super Falcons showcased a blend of flair and steel in a 0-0 draw against hosts Portugal in a pre-WAFCON friendly match on Monday.
The nine-time African champions, eyeing a historic 10th continental title, arrived in Portugal less than 24 hours before the encounter but displayed no signs of fatigue.
Their resilient performance against the Portuguese signaled their readiness for the upcoming continental crown in Morocco.
The early minutes saw some defensive jitters for Nigeria, with a sixth-minute back pass from Christy Ucheibe allowing Diana Silva a sight at goal, though her shot went wide.
Nnadozie was quick to react in the ninth minute, confidently plucking a pull-out from the air. At the other end, the dynamic Francisca Ordega skillfully cut into the box, finding captain Rasheedat Ajibade, whose quick turn and shot nearly caught goalkeeper Ines Pereira off guard.
Nnadozie truly began to assert her dominance in the 24th minute with an epic save, and as the home side launched wave after wave of attacks, it was Nnadozie’s heroics coupled with stonewall defending from the Falcons that kept the scoreline level. Just before halftime, Nigeria had a chance to snatch a lead against the run of play, but Rinsola Babajide overhit her shot after Ordega’s initial effort was foiled by a last-ditch tackle.
The second half saw Africa’s number one goalkeeper pull off a hat-trick of world-class saves within a rapid four-minute span, denying the dangerous Jessica Silva, Fatima Pinto, and Andreia Norton.
Her crucial interventions maintained the stalemate and frustrated the Portuguese attack.
The introduction of Ifeoma Onumonu, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Halimatu Ayinde injected fresh energy into Nigeria’s game, allowing the Falcons to gradually seize control.
In the 64th minute, another brilliant move and pass into the box from Ordega went begging, highlighting Nigeria’s growing offensive threat.
The Super Falcons revved their engine in the final 20 minutes, dominating possession and creating further opportunities.
The vibrant Ordega came agonizingly close to scoring, rattling the crossbar from distance, while Onumonu just fell short of converting another inspired cross from Ordega.
In the end, the Super Falcons delivered a strong account of themselves, leaving the Portuguese fans impressed with their elegant outing at the Estádio José Gomes.
The Nigerian contingent is set to depart from Lisbon for Casablanca on Wednesday, where they will face Ghana’s Black Queens in another friendly match this Sunday.
