Cup-holders Super Falcons on Friday opened their 14th WAFCON preparations with a controlled 2-1 victory over Senegal’s Teranga Lionesses in Ikenne-Remo, asserting authority early and managing the contest with composure for long spells.
The breakthrough arrived on the half-hour mark when Nigeria earned a penalty kick, and veteran forward Asisat Oshoala stepped forward with assurance to convert in the 32nd minute. It marked a significant return for the forward, making her first appearance for the Super Falcons since the WAFCON 2024 final, and she delivered with the calmness expected at that level.
Nigeria maintained their intensity after taking the lead, circulating possession with purpose and probing the Senegalese backline. Their persistence was rewarded eleven minutes later when Toni Payne doubled the advantage, finishing off a well-worked attacking move. Like Oshoala, Payne was also making a return to the national team set-up after her last appearance at the WAFCON 2024, and her contribution showed the depth and experience within the squad.
The Super Falcons controlled proceedings for much of the encounter, dictating tempo and limiting Senegal’s attacking openings, but the visitors found a response late in the game. In the 86th minute, Senegal pulled one back to halve the deficit, setting up a brief spell of pressure which Nigeria managed effectively to see out the result. This fixture marked the first-ever meeting between the Super Falcons and the Teranga Lionesses, adding a layer of significance to an encounter that also serves as part of both teams’ build-up to the forthcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Both sides will face each other again in a second friendly at the same venue in Ikenne-Remo on June 8, as preparations continue. Head Coach Justine Madugu and his squad remain focused on fine-tuning their approach ahead of the tournament in Morocco, where the Super Falcons will be aiming to successfully defend their continental title.
