Nigeria's Super Falcons battled Portugal to a goalless tie during their friendly match at Estadio Jose Gomes in Lisbon on Monday evening. The two teams played cautiously during the opening period. Action picked up after thirty minutes when goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie stopped two Portuguese attacks. Nigeria pushed forward with Francisca Ordega and Rasheedat Ajibade creating trouble for Portugal's backline. Rinsola Babajide wasted a scoring opportunity near Portugal's penalty area before halftime ended.
Everton player Toni Payne squandered a golden opportunity two minutes into the second period. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade delivered a perfect pass to set up Payne for the chance. The winger shot wide from close range inside the penalty box. Portugal dominated play after Payne's miss. Nnadozie pulled off an outstanding save to maintain the stalemate.
Coach Justine Madugu brought on three fresh players around the sixtieth minute. Ifeoma Onumonu, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Halimat Ayinde came on for Babajide, Miracle Usani, and Jennifer Echegini. The substitutions sparked new energy into Nigeria's performance. Ordega struck the goalpost with ten minutes remaining. Onumonu almost scored from Ordega's cross five minutes later but failed to convert the chance into the net.
The Super Falcons face Ghana's Black Queens for their next friendly encounter on Friday. Both teams will use these matches to prepare for upcoming competitions. Nigeria showed good defensive organization against their European opponents.
Everton player Toni Payne squandered a golden opportunity two minutes into the second period. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade delivered a perfect pass to set up Payne for the chance. The winger shot wide from close range inside the penalty box. Portugal dominated play after Payne's miss. Nnadozie pulled off an outstanding save to maintain the stalemate.
Coach Justine Madugu brought on three fresh players around the sixtieth minute. Ifeoma Onumonu, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Halimat Ayinde came on for Babajide, Miracle Usani, and Jennifer Echegini. The substitutions sparked new energy into Nigeria's performance. Ordega struck the goalpost with ten minutes remaining. Onumonu almost scored from Ordega's cross five minutes later but failed to convert the chance into the net.
The Super Falcons face Ghana's Black Queens for their next friendly encounter on Friday. Both teams will use these matches to prepare for upcoming competitions. Nigeria showed good defensive organization against their European opponents.
