The Tremendous Falcons of Nigeria continued their spectacular 2024 kind with a decided 0-0 draw in opposition to Portugal in a pleasant encounter performed on Monday night time in Lisbon. The hard-fought conflict supplied loads of promise for head coach Justine Madugu as his staff stood agency defensively and threatened in bursts going ahead.
Portugal began brightly, making use of strain early within the recreation. Nevertheless, Nigeria’s backline, marshalled expertly by Osinachi Ohale and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, absorbed the assaults properly. The Portuguese got here closest to opening the scoring within the first half, however Nnadozie was equal to the duty, pulling off a key save to disclaim them.
Within the early exchanges, each groups frolicked sizing one another up, with no clear possibilities rising within the opening 20 minutes. Nigeria, taking part in of their away strip, grew into the match steadily. Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala led the road with intent however couldn’t discover the ultimate contact.
The second half introduced extra urgency from each side. Nigeria pressed larger up the pitch and regarded extra assertive in midfield. The introduction of Francisca Ordega added tempo and directness to the Falcons’ assault, injecting recent power into the ultimate third.
The most important second of the match arrived within the eightieth minute. Ordega, recognizing the Portuguese goalkeeper off her line, launched an excellent long-range strike that had the gang gasping. The ball dipped wickedly however crashed off the crossbar, simply inches from a shocking winner.
Portugal continued to pose a menace of their very own, however the Falcons’ defence stayed organized and composed underneath strain. Nnadozie remained alert by way of the ultimate moments, guaranteeing Nigeria held agency.
The closing levels included 5 minutes of stoppage time, however neither aspect managed a breakthrough. The Tremendous Falcons, nonetheless, will probably be inspired by their efficiency and the clear sheet away from house.
With this consequence, Nigeria prolong their unbeaten streak in 2024 and shift focus to their subsequent worldwide outing — a pleasant conflict in opposition to Ghana’s Black Queens scheduled for June 29 in Morocco.
