The Super Falcons of Nigeria produced a scintillating second-half display to defeat Senegal’s Teranga Lionesses 3-0 in an international friendly at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, on Monday.
After a frustrating first half in which several scoring opportunities went begging, the nine-time African champions returned from the break with renewed purpose, scoring three unanswered goals to underline their superiority and continue their impressive preparations for the forthcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Nigeria started brightly and nearly made an early breakthrough when captain Rasheedat Ajibade delivered a dangerous set-piece in the opening minute. The Falcons maintained the pressure, with Joy Omewa and Gift Monday repeatedly testing the Senegalese defence.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the hosts were unable to find the breakthrough before halftime. Omewa came closest in the 15th minute when she rounded the goalkeeper but saw her effort crash against the woodwork, while other promising opportunities were squandered as the first half ended goalless.
The deadlock was finally broken three minutes after the restart. Defender Shukurat Oladipo delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, and Omewa rose highest to power home a header, sending the home supporters into celebration.
The goal injected confidence into the Nigerian side, who continued to dictate proceedings. Omewa grabbed her second goal of the evening in the 55th minute, showing strength and composure as she shrugged off her marker before calmly slotting past the goalkeeper to double Nigeria’s advantage.
The Super Falcons sealed the victory in the 66th minute through substitute Asisat Oshoala. Ajibade embarked on a dazzling run from midfield before setting up the experienced striker, who made no mistake in finishing clinically to make it 3-0.
Nigeria maintained their defensive discipline for the remainder of the encounter, denying the visitors any route back into the game while continuing to threaten on the counterattack.
The convincing victory highlighted the attacking quality, squad depth and tactical discipline of the Super Falcons as they build momentum ahead of their continental title defence in Morocco.
Photo Caption: Joy Omewa celebrates after scoring one of her two goals in Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Senegal at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.
