The Super Falcons took another confident step towards the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Senegal 2-1 in a lively friendly match at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne on Friday, Footynaija reports.
With less than two months before the continental tournament kicks off, head coach Justine Madugu used the occasion to test new combinations, including handing Portsmouth goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor her senior international debut.
Nigeria quickly established control and spent long periods camped in Senegal’s half. The attacking trio of Francisca Ordega, Funmilayo Ijamilusi and Asisat Oshoala repeatedly troubled the visitors, although several early opportunities went begging.
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The breakthrough eventually arrived after sustained pressure forced a mistake in the Senegal area. Following a handball decision by the referee, Oshoala calmly converted from the penalty spot to put Nigeria ahead.
The Falcons doubled their lead before the interval when Toni Payne capitalised on poor marking from a corner kick. The Everton midfielder found herself with space inside the box and drilled a low finish beyond the goalkeeper.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe helped Nigeria dominate midfield throughout much of the contest, while the defence remained largely untroubled despite a more adventurous Senegal display after the restart.
Erhabor looked set to celebrate her debut with a clean sheet, but Senegal struck late in the game, scoring three minutes from time to reduce the deficit. The goal, however, came too late to threaten Nigeria’s control of the match.
The victory extends Nigeria’s positive record against the Teranga Lionesses and offers further encouragement ahead of WAFCON, where the defending champions will seek an 11th African crown. The two sides will face each other again on Monday in the second game of their friendly double-header.
