Super Falcons Beat Senegal 2-1 in Friendly Ahead of WAFCON

Nigeria's Super Falcons continued their preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Senegal's Teranga Lionesses in an international friendly. The match, held in Ikenne-Remo, saw the ten-time African champions showcase a disciplined performance, controlling large parts of the game before withstanding a late surge from the Senegalese side.

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The experienced forward calmly converted from the spot, marking a successful return to the national team after her last appearance in the WAFCON 2024 final.

Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, calmly converting a penalty awarded to Nigeria. This marked a significant return for the experienced forward, who was playing for the national team for the first time since the WAFCON 2024 final. The Super Falcons extended their lead just 11 minutes later when Toni Payne doubled their advantage with a well-executed finish, following an impressive attacking sequence. Payne, also making her first appearance since the WAFCON 2024 final, quickly demonstrated her value to the team.

Nigeria maintained dominance for much of the contest, effectively managing possession and limiting Senegal's opportunities. However, the Teranga Lionesses managed to pull a goal back in the 86th minute, setting up a tense finish. Despite the late pressure, the Super Falcons held their composure and secured the win.

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Like Oshoala, Payne was making her first appearance for the Super Falcons since the WAFCON 2024 final and quickly reminded fans of her importance to the team.

This encounter was historically significant as the first-ever senior women's match between Nigeria and Senegal. Both teams utilized the friendly as a crucial part of their build-up to the WAFCON tournament. The two nations are scheduled to play a second friendly on June 8 at the same venue, allowing Head Coach Justine Madugu and his squad to further refine tactics and assess player readiness as they aim to defend their continental title in Morocco.

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The match was the first-ever meeting between Nigeria and Senegal at the senior women’s level, adding extra significance to an encounter that also served as part of both countries’ preparations for the forthcoming WAFCON tournament.