Nigeria’s Super Falcons kicked off their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on a winning note, defeating Senegal 2-1 in an international friendly at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Friday.
Veteran forward Asisat Oshoala marked her return to the national team with the opening goal, calmly converting a penalty in the 32nd minute.
The striker was making her first appearance for the Super Falcons since featuring in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final.
The hosts dominated much of the opening half, controlling possession and creating the better scoring opportunities.
Their superiority was rewarded again just before the break when Toni Payne finished off a flowing team move in the 43rd minute to double Nigeria’s lead.
Payne was also returning to international action after her last outing at the 2024 WAFCON.
Nigeria continued to dictate play after halftime, limiting Senegal’s attacking threat while searching for a third goal.
However, the visitors found a way back into the contest late on, pulling a goal back in the 86th minute to set up a nervy finish.
Despite the late pressure from the Teranga Lionesses, the Super Falcons remained organised and held firm to secure the victory.
The encounter was the first-ever meeting between the two women’s national teams, with both sides using the friendly series as part of their build-up to the next Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Nigeria and Senegal will face each other again in a second friendly match at the same venue on Monday as they continue preparations for the continental tournament.
The Super Falcons will be aiming to successfully defend their African crown when the competition gets underway in Morocco.
