Nigeria Super Falcons began their build-up to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-1 victory over Senegal in an international friendly match played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Friday.
The win provided a positive start to preparations for the defending African champions, who are targeting another strong campaign at the continental tournament in Morocco. The match also marked the first-ever meeting between the two senior women’s national sides, adding significance to the encounter as both teams continue their preparations for the competition.
Nigeria Super Falcons took early control of proceedings, dominating possession and dictating the tempo of the game in the opening stages. Their pressure eventually told in the 32nd minute when veteran forward Asisat Oshoala returned to the national set-up in style, calmly converting from the penalty spot to give the hosts the lead.
Oshoala’s goal was her first appearance for the side since featuring in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final, marking a notable return to international action for the experienced striker.
Nigeria continued to assert themselves in the first half, creating the clearer chances and maintaining sustained attacking pressure. Their dominance was rewarded again shortly before the interval, when Toni Payne finished off a well-constructed team move in the 43rd minute to double the lead. Payne’s strike also carried personal significance, as she was returning to international duty following her last appearance at the 2024 WAFCON.
With a 2-0 advantage at half-time, Nigeria remained in control after the restart. They continued to manage possession effectively and limited the attacking threat posed by Senegal, while also searching for a third goal to put the contest beyond reach.
However, the visitors gradually worked their way back into the match in the closing stages. Senegal women’s national football team reduced the deficit in the 86th minute, setting up a tense finish as they pushed for an equaliser in the final moments.
Despite the late pressure from Senegal, Nigeria remained organised defensively and held firm to secure the win in front of home supporters. The result ensured that the Super Falcons’ preparations began on a confident note as they look ahead to their upcoming assignments.
The friendly forms part of a wider preparation programme for both teams ahead of the next Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria will aim to defend their title and reinforce their status as one of the continent’s dominant sides in women’s football.
Both teams are set to meet again in a second friendly match at the same venue on Monday, providing another opportunity to assess progress and fine-tune preparations before the continental tournament gets underway.
The encounter at Remo Stars Stadium therefore represents an important early test for both Nigeria and Senegal as they continue to build momentum towards the 2026 WAFCON, with further evaluation expected in the return fixture
