Super Falcons Warn of Title Threat After Victory Over Senegal

Nigeria’s Super Falcons continued their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a 2‑1 win over Senegal in an international friendly held at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne yesterday.

Veteran striker Asisat Oshoala and Everton midfielder Toni Payne scored the goals that secured the victory for Justine Madugu’s side, a match that showcased Nigeria’s dominance from start to finish.

Madugu gave goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor her senior Super Falcons debut, trusting the young Portsmouth shot‑stopper between the posts. In attack, Oshoala led the line alongside Francisca Ordega and Funmilayo Ijamilusi, while captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Christy Ucheibe and Payne operated in midfield.

This fixture marked Nigeria’s fourth meeting with Senegal in the last decade and their first encounter since the Super Falcons’ 3‑0 friendly win over the Teranga Lionesses in 2018.

As in previous encounters, Nigeria took control from the opening whistle. The 10‑time African champions dominated possession, pushed Senegal deep into their own half, and created several promising chances.

Oshoala and Ijamilusi both came close during the opening period, as the Super Falcons repeatedly threatened but could not find a breakthrough.

Persistence paid off shortly after the hour mark when a penalty was awarded to Nigeria after sustained pressure on the Senegal defence. The centre referee spotted a handball incident against Senegal and promptly awarded the advantage.

Four minutes before the break, Payne doubled the lead when he found space inside the penalty area. Left unmarked after a routine corner kick, the midfielder struck a low effort past the goalkeeper to put the game beyond doubt.

Although Senegal improved after the restart and tried to reduce the deficit, the Super Falcons remained organised and comfortably protected their lead. However, three minutes from time, Senegal pulled one back, denying goalkeeper Erhabor a clean sheet on her debut.

The two teams will meet again on Monday for the second match of the friendly double‑header arranged as part of their final preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria enters the tournament as defending champions, having lifted their 10th continental crown last year. The Super Falcons are already targeting an 11th title when the competition begins on July 26 and runs until August 16.

Madugu’s side have been drawn alongside Egypt, Malawi and Zambia in the group stage, while Senegal face a difficult challenge in a pool that includes hosts Morocco, Algeria and Kenya.