Nigeria’s Super Falcons held their hosts, Portugal, to a 0-0 draw in a thrilling friendly at the Estadio Jose Gomes, Lisbon, on Monday night.
Both sides cancelled out each other in the opening minutes.
The game opened up around the half-hour mark, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie producing two good saves to deny the Portuguese.
Nigeria made occasional forays upfront, with the lively Francisca Ordega and Rasheedat Ajibade causing problems for the hosts’ defence.
The Super Falcons finished the first half strongly, with Rinsola Babajide failing to hit the target from around Portugal’s box.
Everton winger Toni Payne missed a glorious chance to put Justine Madugu’s side ahead two minutes after the break.
Payne was teed up by a superb pass from captain Rasheedat Ajibade, but she blazed wide from inside the box.
Portugal took control of the game afterwards, with Nnadozie making a brilliant save to keep the scoreline goalless.
Madugu made three changes around the hour mark, with Ifeoma Onumonu, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Halimat Ayinde replacing Babajide, Miracle Usani, and Jennifer Echegini.
The changes re-energised the Super Falcons, with Ordega hitting the upright 10 minutes from time.
Onumonu also came close to handing Nigeria the lead five minutes later but couldn’t divert Ordega’s cross into the net.
The Super Falcons will take on the Black Queens of Ghana in their next friendly on Friday.
