Pre-WAFCON Friendly: Nnadozie shines in Nigeria, Portugal’s barren draw 

By Harry Awurumibe, Africa’s No.1 Women Football Journalist

Super Falcons of Nigeria and Portugal’s “Seleção das Quinas” could not find a winning formular over each other as they battled to a 0-0 draw in their international friendly pla at the Estàdio José Gomes in Amadora near Lisbon on Monday night.

It was a repeat of their meeting in June 2021 in Houston, Texas, United States of America  (USA) during the Summer Series 4-team invitational tournament when Nigeria came from behind twice to play a 3-3 with Portugal.

However, coach Justine Madugu-tutored team put up a brave performance against their hosts in today’s tie despite the Nigerians arriving in Portugal barely one day before the game.

In fact, reliable goalkeeper  Chiamaka Nnadozie produced two good saves to deny the Portuguese early in the game. She was the reason Nigeria avoided  a defeat just as they could have won it late on.

The Portuguese have created the better chances and looked a lot more comfortable on the ball, while the nine-time African champions have looked dangerous in a couple of their attacking forays, although coach Madugu must be concerned that they have given the ball away more often and have struggled to string passes.

Overall, Super Falcons did their best in the circumstances as key players like Michelle Alozie, Deborah Abiodun, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Folashade Ijamilusi,   Chioma Okafor, and Asisat Oshoala were not available for selection on the night.

Only four outfield players, Onumonu, Sikiratu Isah,  Halimat Ayinde, and Ashley Plumptre, were on the bench alongside two reserved goalkeepers Toochukwu Oluehi, and Racheal Unachukwu.

Super Falcons Starting XI: Nnadozie, Usani, Oladipo, Ohale, Demehin, Ucheibe, Echegini, Babajide, Ordega, Payne , Ajibade (Captain).

Nigeria’s next game will be against West African arch-rivals Ghana’s Black Queens on June 29, 2025, at Lanoria Complex in Morocco.