The African champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, triumphed 2-1 over Senegal in an international friendly held at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne on Friday.
Nigeria dominated from the opening whistle, but it took until near the half-hour mark before they broke the deadlock. Asisat Oshoala, a former African Women’s Footballer of the Year, calmly slotted home a penalty in the 32nd minute to open the scoring.
Just before halftime, Everton midfielder Toni Payne doubled Nigeria’s lead. She finished off a brilliant assist from right-back Shukurat Oladipo, driving the ball home with precision. Shortly after, captain Rasheedat Ajibade came close to adding a third, but her effort was saved by the Senegalese goalkeeper.
After the break, the match slowed down as Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu introduced several substitutes. Oshoala and Folashade Ijamilusi had Nigeria’s best opportunities in the second half, but they failed to convert. With four minutes left, Sokhna Nogaye pulled one back for Senegal with a long-range strike.
Both teams are set to meet again in a second friendly on Monday, also taking place in Ikenne.