The Super Falcons fought back to hold Portugal to a highly entertaining 3-3 draw in their second game of the Summer Series in Texas, USA, Monday morning.
This was certainly a much improved performance by the Falcons than what they showed in a 1-0 loss to Jamaica in the same invitational tournament.
The African champions were boosted by skipper Asisat Oshoala and experienced central defender Onome Ebi, who overcame visa hitches to join the team in time for this encounter.
However, it was Portugal, ranked 29th in the world by FIFA, who went in front on 21 minutes through an own goal by Chidinma Okeke as the Falcons defence struggled to take shape.
The Portuguese doubled their lead in the 34th minute through a volley off a free kick by captain Carole Costa.
But impressive Houston Dash star Michelle Alozie pulled a goal back for Nigeria just a minute to halftime for Portugal to lead 2-1 at the interval.
The Falcons defence was again to blame when Portugal scored their third goal, before an own goal and the lively Rasheedat Ajibade restored parity for the Nigerian ladies after coach Randy Waldrum went for broke as the game wore on.
Again, Sevilla forward Toni Payne was outstanding even if she did not get on the scoreboard.
