Nigeria’s Super Falcons opened their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-1 victory over Senegal in a friendly match played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State.
The encounter marked the first-ever meeting between Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Senegal’s Teranga Lionesses, with both sides using the fixture as part of their build-up to the continental tournament scheduled to be held in Morocco.
Goals from experienced forward Asisat Oshoala and midfielder Toni Payne gave Nigeria a deserved advantage before Senegal pulled one back late in the contest.
For Nigeria, the match also signalled the return of key players who had not featured for the national team since the previous Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Oshoala, one of Africa’s most decorated footballers, made an immediate impact by opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute.
Her goal capped a dominant opening spell from the Super Falcons, who controlled possession and dictated the pace of the game for much of the first half.
Nigeria’s pressure continued as the break approached, and they doubled their lead in the 43rd minute through Toni Payne. The midfielder finished off a well-constructed attacking move to put the hosts firmly in command.
Like Oshoala, Payne was making her first appearance for the national side since the WAFCON finals, and her contribution highlighted the depth of experience available to the Nigerian squad as preparations intensify for another continental campaign.
The Super Falcons maintained their control after the restart, limiting Senegal’s opportunities and preventing the visitors from establishing sustained periods of possession.
Despite Nigeria’s dominance, Senegal continued to search for a way back into the match and were rewarded in the 86th minute when they reduced the deficit. The late goal created a tense finale and briefly raised hopes of a comeback.
However, the nine-time African champions remained composed under pressure and successfully protected their lead until the final whistle.
The victory provides a positive platform for Nigeria as they continue preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where they will once again be among the favourites to challenge for continental honours.
For Senegal, the defeat offered valuable lessons despite the result.
The Teranga Lionesses showed resilience by continuing to compete until the closing stages and will have an immediate opportunity to make adjustments before facing Nigeria again.
The two teams are scheduled to meet in a second friendly match at the same venue on Monday.
The return fixture is expected to provide both coaching staffs with another chance to assess their squads, test tactical options and improve match fitness ahead of the tournament in Morocco.
With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations drawing closer, both nations will view these matches as important stepping stones in their quest for success on Africa’s biggest women’s football stage
