Nigeria’s Super Falcons held hosts Portugal goalless in their penultimate friendly ahead of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Having beaten neighbours Cameroon in their most recent outing and fresh off the announcement of a 24-strong squad for the tournament, anticipation in the fanbase was heightened going into Monday’s match.
Ultimately, however, Justin Madugu and his team were grateful to goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who pulled off a handful of strong saves to keep the scores level.
Super Falcons undercooked against weak pre-WAFCON opposition
Coming into Monday’s encounter, Portugal were winless in four, and had conceded 20 goals in that span. They were, regardless, the better side for portions of the game, calling Nnadozie into action on multiple occasions, especially in the first half.
Nigeria’s clearest opening came late on, as Francisca Ordega’s effort from distance came off the frame of the goal.
Madugu’s XI to face Portugal 🇵🇹
🧤 Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal
🛡️ Demehin and Oladipo marshal the defence
⚡ Rinsola Babajide leads the attack📺 Watch live on NFF TV YouTube#MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons #PORNGA pic.twitter.com/k7nINGDJjV
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) June 23, 2025
The Super Falcons, without the benefit of training time having only arrived in Lisbon on Sunday night, fielded a starting lineup that was far from full-strength.
Fans of the nine-time African champions will hope for a better outing in their final warm-up match: a meeting with continental rivals Ghana on June 29.
