The Super Falcons return to action today with one clear objective: improve, dominate, and send a strong message ahead of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
After securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Senegal in the first leg of their international friendly double-header, Nigeria’s women’s national team will once again face the Lionesses of Teranga at the Remo Stars Sports Complex, while the scoreline favoured the nine-time African champions, head coach Justine Madugu knows there is still work to be done, with WAFCON 2026 fast approaching, every minute on the pitch has become valuable. Every tactical adjustment matters. Every performance could determine who earns a place in Nigeria’s strongest starting lineup when the real battle begins in Morocco.
The first meeting between both sides delivered plenty of positives for Nigerian supporters, veteran striker Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Toni Payne doubled Nigeria’s advantage with a composed finish. For large periods of the match, the Falcons controlled possession and dictated the tempo.
However, Senegal’s late goal exposed moments of vulnerability that Madugu will be eager to eliminate, the Super Falcons lost some of their intensity in the second half, allowing Senegal to grow into the contest and create opportunities, that is something the coaching staff has already addressed.
Today’s encounter presents an opportunity to show growth and demonstrate that lessons have been learned, one of the biggest talking points heading into the second friendly is Nigeria’s expected increase in intensity, coach Justine Madugu has openly challenged his players to be more purposeful and clinical in attack, that message is likely to translate into a more aggressive pressing system, quicker transitions, and a greater willingness to attack from the opening whistle.
The Super Falcons understand that elite tournaments are often decided by small details. Sustaining concentration and intensity for the full ninety minutes will be essential if Nigeria hopes to reclaim continental dominance at WAFCON.
Against Senegal, fans should expect a team eager to control the game from start to finish, the spotlight will once again fall on the attacking trio of Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Toni Payne, Oshoala showed her experience and composure by converting from the penalty spot in the first meeting, while Payne demonstrated her attacking instincts with an impressive goal, Ajibade, despite not finding the back of the net, was one of Nigeria’s most dangerous players throughout the match. Her movement, creativity, and leadership continue to make her one of the most important figures in the squad.
The chemistry between these three attacking stars could be crucial as Nigeria seeks a more convincing performance, if they find their rhythm early, Senegal could face a long afternoon, although today’s fixture is officially a friendly, everyone within the Super Falcons camp understands its true importance, the match serves as one of Nigeria’s final competitive tests before the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Falcons have been drawn into a challenging group featuring Egypt, Zambia, and Malawi. Every opponent will be eager to dethrone Africa’s most successful women’s national team, Madugu is using these friendlies to fine-tune tactics, assess player fitness, strengthen partnerships across the pitch, and build momentum heading into the tournament.
This is not simply about beating Senegal, it is about preparing a squad capable of lifting another continental trophy, one of the most encouraging aspects of Nigeria’s recent performances has been the growing competition for places, the coaching staff has created an environment where every player understands that selection must be earned.
That healthy competition is raising standards across the squad and ensuring that nobody becomes complacent, as the countdown to WAFCON continues, players know that strong performances against Senegal could strengthen their chances of becoming key figures in Nigeria’s title challenge, the Super Falcons enter today’s clash as favourites, but they know Senegal will arrive determined to respond after Friday’s defeat.
For Nigeria, the mission extends beyond the final score, this match is about sharpening tactical discipline, improving attacking combinations, strengthening defensive concentration, and building confidence before one of the most important tournaments on the calendar.
The first leg showed flashes of brilliance, the second leg offers an opportunity to deliver a complete performance, and if the Super Falcons can combine intensity, creativity, and clinical finishing, they will send a powerful warning to every team preparing for WAFCON.
