Nigeria’s Super Falcons strengthened their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Senegal in an international friendly played at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne on Saturday.
Goals from experienced forward Asisat Oshoala and midfielder Toni Payne ensured victory for coach Justine Madugu’s side, who controlled large portions of the contest and showcased their credentials ahead of the continental championship.
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Madugu handed goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor her first senior appearance for the Super Falcons, entrusting the Portsmouth shot-stopper with a starting role. Oshoala led the attack alongside Francisca Ordega and Funmilayo Ijamilusi, while captain Rasheedat Ajibade partnered Christy Ucheibe and Payne in midfield.
The encounter marked the fourth meeting between both nations in the last decade and their first clash since Nigeria’s 3-0 triumph over Senegal in a friendly fixture in 2018.
The Super Falcons asserted themselves early, dominating possession and dictating the pace of the game. The nine-time African champions pinned their opponents back and created several openings as they searched for the breakthrough.
Oshoala and Ijamilusi both threatened in the opening exchanges, but Senegal’s defence managed to hold firm despite sustained pressure from the hosts.
Nigeria eventually broke the deadlock shortly after the hour mark when the referee awarded a penalty following a handball incident inside the Senegalese penalty area. Oshoala calmly converted from the spot to give her side a deserved lead.
The Falcons extended their advantage four minutes before halftime through Payne. The Everton midfielder capitalised on slack marking from a corner kick, finding space inside the box before firing a low shot past the Senegal goalkeeper.
Senegal showed greater attacking intent after the interval and attempted to fight their way back into the contest, but Nigeria remained composed and well-organised defensively.
Although the visitors managed to score a late consolation goal three minutes from full-time, it was not enough to prevent the Super Falcons from securing victory. The strike, however, denied debutant goalkeeper Erhabor a clean sheet on her first appearance for the national team.
Both sides are scheduled to face each other again on Monday in the second game of the friendly series, which forms part of their final preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria will enter the tournament determined to defend the continental crown they won last year and are already eyeing a record-extending 11th WAFCON title when the competition gets underway on July 26 and concludes on August 16.
Madugu’s team has been drawn in a group featuring Egypt, Malawi and Zambia, while Senegal will battle hosts Morocco, Algeria and Kenya in what promises to be a challenging group-stage campaign.
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