Nigeria’s women’s national team delivered a resilient performance on Monday, June 24, 2025, holding Portugal’s women’s national team to a 0-0 draw at Estádio José Gomes in Amadora. The international friendly served as an important preparatory match for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 qualifiers.
Despite arriving in Lisbon just a day before kickoff, the Super Falcons showed discipline and tactical maturity under the leadership of head coach Justine Madugu.
Photo Credit: FPF
Balanced First Half
Nigeria started the match strongly, with Rasheedat Ajibade — captain and attacking midfielder — controlling the tempo in the middle of the park. She worked well with Rinsola Babajide, who created space and forced errors from the Portuguese backline.
Christy Ucheibe, a regular at SL Benfica Women, played a commanding role in midfield, shielding the defense and distributing cleanly.
Photo Credit: FPF
At the back, Chiamaka Nnadozie — Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper and standout performer — made two crucial saves to keep the score level, denying Portuguese forward Jéssica Silva on both occasions.
Second-Half Push and Near Misses
After the break, both teams raised the tempo. In the 80th minute, Francisca Ordega came closest to scoring with an audacious long-range attempt that struck the crossbar. Moments later, Michelle Alozie nearly found the winner with a curling shot that went just wide of the post.
Portugal’s defense, anchored by veteran Carole Costa, absorbed the pressure, while Nigeria’s Osinachi Ohale organized her backline with authority to keep the hosts at bay.
Full-Time Match Statistics
- Ball Possession:
Portugal – 50% | Nigeria – 50% - Total Shots:
Portugal – 10 | Nigeria – 5 - Shots on Target:
Portugal – 4/10 (40%) | Nigeria – 1/5 (20%) - Corners:
Portugal – 3 | Nigeria – 4 - Fouls Committed:
Portugal – 10 | Nigeria – 12 - Offsides:
Portugal – 3 | Nigeria – 2
What This Means Going Forward
With WAFCON 2024 fast approaching, the result provides confidence for Nigeria, who are set to face Tunisia’s women’s national team in their opening match on July 6.
Portugal, missing key midfielder Kika Nazareth, will take positives from their defensive showing as they prepare for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 qualifiers.
Related Links
- Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)
- Portugal Football Federation (FPF)
- CAF – WAFCON Official Page
- UEFA – Women’s Euro 2025
- Super Falcons Fixtures & News
