Super Falcons Thrash Cameroon 3-1 in Pre-Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Friendly in Yaounde
Nigeria’s Super Falcons produced a commanding display to defeat the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon 3-1 in an international friendly played at the Military Stadium in Yaounde on Tuesday evening.
The match was the second of a two-game tour and served as part of preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The victory ensured the nine-time African champions ended the tour on a high note after narrowly losing the first encounter by a lone goal three days earlier.
Head Coach Justin Madugu made seven changes to the side that featured in Saturday’s defeat, signalling his intent to test depth and tactical flexibility ahead of the continental tournament.
However, it was the hosts who struck first once again. Cameroon found the breakthrough in the seventh minute, momentarily raising fears of a repeat of the previous result.
Nigeria gradually grew into the game and were rewarded in the 32nd minute. Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo rose highest to meet a well-delivered cross from Rinsola Babajide, powering a header past the Cameroonian goalkeeper to restore parity.
The Falcons completed the turnaround just before the interval. Following a scramble inside the penalty area, Babajide reacted quickest to fire home in the 43rd minute, giving Nigeria a deserved 2-1 lead at half time.
Madugu’s tactical reshuffle, particularly in midfield, proved effective as Nigeria pressed higher up the pitch, closed down spaces quickly and restricted Cameroon to long and hopeful deliveries.
The third goal arrived in the 64th minute. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, impressive throughout on the right flank, delivered an inviting cross into the box. Michelle Alozie met it with determination, launching herself into a flying header that extended Nigeria’s advantage to 3-1.
Both teams made changes as the match progressed, using the fixture to fine-tune strategies and assess combinations ahead of the 14th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
For the Super Falcons, the emphatic victory was a strong statement of intent as they continue preparations to reclaim continental glory.
