The Super Falcons of Nigeria return to international duty on Monday evening in a much-anticipated friendly against Portugal at the historic Estádio José Gomes in Amadora, Lisbon.
This will be a crucial test as both teams fine-tune preparations for upcoming continental tournaments.
While officially a preparatory fixture, the match carries added tactical weight for both sides. For Portugal, it marks a key phase in their build-up to the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
For Nigeria, it is a vital piece of the puzzle in their road to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco next month.
Portugal Eye Euro Readiness
Portugal’s women, under the guidance of head coach Francisco Neto, qualified for Euro 2025 after finishing second in their UEFA Women’s Nations League group.
Today’s fixture against Africa’s most successful women’s team offers a litmus test of their competitive sharpness ahead of a demanding European campaign.
READ MORE: Super Falcons arrive in Lisbon ahead of Portugal friendly as WAFCON preparations intensify
The Seleção das Quinas will rely on a blend of experience and youth, with standout figures such as Inês Pereira in goal and star forward Jéssica Silva, known for her explosive pace and technical skill, expected to spearhead the team.
The Seleção Ladies are currently on a five-game losing streak. They have conceded a staggering 20 goals while scoring just three.
Their recent run includes back-to-back defeats to Spain, 4-2 and a heavy 7-1 loss in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, followed by a 6-0 thrashing by England and a 3-0 defeat to Belgium, all within the same competition.
Falcons Focused on WAFCON Goals
The Super Falcons arrived in Lisbon over the weekend after a training camp in Abuja, where head coach Justin Madugu and his staff oversaw several intensive sessions focused on tactical cohesion and fitness.
Among the key players to watch is Benfica midfielder Christy Ucheibe, who will relish the opportunity to play in front of a home-based Portuguese crowd.
Also in camp are stalwarts such as Francisca Ordega, Osinachi Ohale, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, along with younger talents looking to cement their place ahead of the continental showpiece.
The Super Falcons recorded back-to-back victories over Algeria in a double-header played on October 26 and 29, 2024, winning 2-0 in Ogun State and 4-1 in Lagos.
They then fell 2-1 to Les Bleues in France on November 30, 2024, their most recent clash against a European side before bouncing back with a 2-0 win over Cameroon in Abeokuta in June 2025.
Next Stop: Ghana
Following the clash with Portugal, the Falcons will continue their build-up with another international friendly, this time against Ghana’s Black Queens on June 29 in Morocco, a fixture laced with rivalry and regional pride.
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The Super Falcons have been drawn into Group B at WAFCON 2024 alongside Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. With nine continental titles already in their trophy cabinet, Nigeria will once again enter the tournament as favourites.
How to Watch
Monday’s match kicks off at 7 p.m. Nigerian time (same local time in Lisbon). It will be broadcast live on Afrosport, Portugal’s Canal 11, and streamed via NFF TV, the official digital platform of the Nigeria Football Federation.
SUPER FALCONS FOR 13TH WAFCON FINALS:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (just finished contract with Paris FC, France); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Edo Queens)
Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (just finished contract with Atletico Madrid, Spain); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosenburg, Sweden); Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)
Forwards: Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA)
