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Rasheedat Ajibade delivered a captain’s performance to remember as the Super Falcons kicked off their 2025 campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over old rivals Cameroon in a lively pre-WAFCON international friendly at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Tuesday evening, Footynaija.com reports.
The Atletico Madrid star struck twice in a pulsating first half — first from the spot and then from open play — to hand Nigeria a morale-boosting win over a spirited but ultimately outclassed Indomitable Lionesses side.
Played under overcast skies and heavy rains, the match was anything but gloomy for Nigeria. From the first whistle, coach Justin Madugu’s side looked sharp, energetic, and well-drilled, showing early signs of their attacking intent.
With a blend of home-based talent and nine Europe-based players, the Falcons wasted no time imposing themselves.
Onumonu, starting up front, and Toni Payne orchestrated early attacking moves, testing the Cameroonian goalkeeper with a flurry of half-chances in the opening 20 minutes.
Nigeria’s pressure paid off in the 26th minute when captain Ajibade was felled in the box. Calm and clinical, she dusted herself off to slot the resulting penalty into the bottom corner — a deserved breakthrough for the home side.
Cameroon looked rattled, and just before half-time, they were punished again. This time, it was Omorinsola Babajide who unlocked the defence with a perfectly weighted pass. Ajibade latched on and showed her class with a composed finish to double Nigeria’s lead and underline her status as one of the continent’s most lethal midfielders.
The Falcons went into the break 2-0 up and fully in control.
The second half saw Nigeria rotate their squad, with Onumonu making way for the experienced Francisca Ordega, and later changes bringing in Bolaji Olamide, Christy Ucheibe, and Emem Essien.
Despite the absence of further goals, the Falcons continued to dominate. They moved the ball with swagger and confidence, at times stringing together tiki-taka-style passes reminiscent of Barcelona in their prime. Cameroon had their moments, particularly late on, but Nnadozie — largely untroubled in goal — remained assured between the posts.
Babajide, before her forced substitution due to a knock, had been lively and electric on the flanks, while Payne and Echegini provided drive and control in midfield.
Though the second half didn’t match the first in terms of fireworks, it offered Madugu a chance to assess depth and chemistry ahead of the fast-approaching Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
At full time, Nigeria were deserved 2-0 winners — their first match of 2025 ending with victory, a clean sheet, and the satisfying sight of a captain delivering on the biggest stage.
With Cameroon tamed, and their engine starting to hum, the Super Falcons will now look ahead to WAFCON with confidence, cohesion, and a leader in red-hot form.
