The Super Falcons of Nigeria delivered a resilient performance to hold Portugal to a goalless draw in a friendly match played in Lisbon on Monday evening, as reported by Soccernet.ng.
Although neither side managed to find the back of the net, the encounter provided several positives for head coach Justine Madugu. His team appeared well-organised defensively and increasingly dangerous on the attack.
Nigeria, wearing their away colours, asserted their presence early in the game. The opening 20 minutes were evenly matched, with both teams probing but failing to create any clear-cut chances.
The Nigerian defence, led by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and experienced centre-back Osinachi Ohale, held strong against Portugal’s early pressure. The best opportunity of the first half fell to the hosts, but Nnadozie produced a smart save to keep the game level.
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At the other end, Nigeria’s attacking quartet, including Rasheedat Ajibade and Francisca Ordega, showed promise but couldn’t break through the Portuguese backline.
The second half saw a noticeable increase in intensity, with Nigeria pushing higher up the pitch in search of a breakthrough.
The highlight of the match came in the 80th minute when Ordega noticed the Portuguese goalkeeper off her line and attempted a bold long-range strike. The effort had the goalkeeper beaten but unfortunately crashed against the crossbar, denying Nigeria a dramatic late goal.
Portugal also created a few chances, but Nnadozie and the Nigerian defence remained composed and unyielding.
Despite five minutes of stoppage time, neither side could break the deadlock, and the match concluded in a hard-fought 0-0 draw.
The result extends the Super Falcons’ unbeaten streak in 2024 and offers Coach Madugu more encouragement ahead of their next friendly clash against Ghana’s Black Queens on June 29 in Morocco.
SOCCERNET
