As the countdown to the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) intensifies, Nigeria’s Super Falcons will take a crucial step in their preparations with a high-profile international friendly against Portugal’s Navegadoras on Monday evening at the Estádio José Gomes in Amadora.

While the match offers coach Justine Madugu a chance to fine-tune his team, the Super Falcons must tread carefully against a Portuguese side sharpening their blades for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. Among the challenges that await Nigeria, three Portuguese stars stand out as potential game-changers: Tatiana Pinto, Jéssica Silva, and Carole Costa.

Tatiana Pinto – The Midfield Maestro:
A stalwart for Atlético Madrid and a veteran with over 100 international caps, 31-year-old Tatiana Pinto brings both elegance and grit to the heart of Portugal’s midfield. Her intelligent passing, spatial awareness, and tireless pressing allow her to dictate the rhythm of play. For Nigeria, containing Pinto will require a disciplined press, particularly from midfielders like Christy Ucheibe, to break her link-up play and disrupt Portugal’s transitions.

Jéssica Silva – The Attacking Menace:
At 30, Silva remains one of Portugal’s most dangerous forwards. Renowned for her dribbling flair, clinical finishing, and ability to cut inside from wide positions, Silva can punish even the slightest lapse in defensive focus. Nigeria’s backline, which recently kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Cameroon, must be vigilant and proactive to close down her spaces and intercept her incisive runs.

Carole Costa – The Defensive General:
Anchoring the Portuguese defense is Benfica’s seasoned center-back Carole Costa. A commanding presence with aerial prowess and Champions League pedigree, Costa marshals her backline with precision. For the Super Falcons’ frontline—led by the explosive Rasheedat Ajibade—quick transitions and clever movement will be key to bypassing Costa’s defensive wall.

As Nigeria continues to shape its squad for Morocco, this clash with Portugal offers a valuable litmus test. Overcoming the threat posed by Pinto, Silva, and Costa will not only boost morale but also offer vital insights ahead of WAFCON.