Rasheedat Ajibade scored twice as the Super Falcons earned a comfortable 2-0 win over Cameroon in the much-awaited international friendly match played on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.
It was a strong start from the hosts, who passed with confidence in the early stages and created several chances before the breakthrough came in the 26th minute when they were awarded a penalty after captain Ajibade was brought down in the box.
The former Atlético Madrid Femenino forward stepped up and calmly converted to give Nigeria a deserved lead.
Just before half-time, Ajibade struck again when a well-timed pass from Omorinsola Babajide found the captain in the box and she made no mistake, firing in her second goal of the match to make it 2-0.
The Super Falcons went into the break in full control. At the restart, Ifeoma Onumonu was replaced by Francisca Ordega, and Nigeria continued to push for a third goal and it was the Lionesses that started showing more fight in the second half with some bright moments, but could not find a way past Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal.
In the 65th minute Rinsola Babajide was forced off with an injury and was replaced by 2024/25 NWFL top scorer Bolaji Olamide before Christy Ucheibe and Emem Essien were later introduced for Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini as Justice Magudu made sure all players had a run-out.
Despite Nigeria’s dominance, they could not add to the scoreline. Cameroon’s goalkeeper made some key saves to keep the visitors in the match, including denying Ajibade her hat-trick.
In the closing stages, Nnadozie made a brilliant save to keep a clean sheet, denying Jean-Baptiste Bisseck’s side any late goal and ensured Nigeria claimed their eighth win in 13 meetings against Cameroon.
Reflecting on her performance after the match, Ajibade expressed her gratitude to teammates and fans for their role in the win.
‘It’s such an honour and privilege to have scored two goals in today’s match, but I wouldn’t have done it without the support of my teammates. Special thanks to all the fans that came out as well to cheer us on. It is their energy, their support that has also inspired us to win this match today. So, special thanks to everyone’.
After seven months without an action, the match served as important preparation for the Falcons ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nation preparation and they will face Portugal in 23 June before kickstarting a chase for the 10th continental title against Tunisia, Botswana and Algeria in Group C from 6 July.
