The Super Falcons of Nigeria continued their warm-ups for the 2025 Women's African Cup of Nations, slated for Morrocco, as they took on their counterparts from Portugal, the Seleçao de Quinas.
It was a brilliant showing from number one shot-stopper Chiamaka Nnadozie, as she pulled point-blank saves to keep the ladies in the game.
The Falcons, coming off the back of a two nil victory over the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in Ijebu Ode, looked to heave more sorrows on the Seleçao da Quinas, who had only one win in their last five outings.
The Falcons started out a bit sloppy, as they struggled to maintain possession and control the game, in the early stages.
However, as the game progressed, they began to take the game to the Portuguese, who also did not rest on their oars.
Minutes into the game, Francisca Ordega had a blistering run into the 18-yard area of the Seleçao, but her cut back could not get into the path of Rasheedat Ajibade.
The Portuguese kept on threatening, through Jessica Silva, a constant pain to the backline pairing of Osinachi Ohale and Tosin Demehin, but the duo did just enough to stand tall.
Few minutes later, Chiamaka Nnadozie was called into action, as Portuguese attacker Jessica Silva tried a curler towards the far post, but the former Rivers Angels goalkeeper got a hand to it and forced the save.
The Seleçao were the better of the two sides in the first period, but the Super Falcons showed their mettle, as they held on to a goalless draw.
The second period soon began, and the Falcons began to grow into the game.
Jennifer Echegini tried a short pass for Toni Payne, but the Everton forward flashed it wide of the mark.
Chiamaka was soon called to action once again, as the Seleçao broke through on goal but the elite shot-stopper came out quickly to claim.
The second half saw the introduction of Ashleigh Plumptre, Deborah Abiodun and Halimatu Ayinde in a triple change, and this proved to be a master stroke from Coach Justin Madugu as his girls began to change the tempo of the game.
Francisca Ordega played a brilliant pass for Ifeoma Onumonu, but she just could not convert.
There was a late scare for "hero on the night" Chiamaka Nnadozie after a clattering into with a Portuguese attacker, but the Falcons heaved a sigh of relief as she was declared fit to continue.
The Falcons hence wrapped up a nice showing with great grit in defence, as they held on to the points in the high stakes friendly.