Captain Rasheedat Ajibade scored two stunning first-half goals on Saturday, leading Nigeria’s nine-time African champions to a 2-0 victory over Algeria’s Green Ladies in Ikenne-Remo, the first of two international friendlies between the teams.

Ajibade opened the scoring in the 24th minute, skillfully evading the Algerian defense to lift the ball over advancing goalkeeper Amel Salah, following a well-timed pass from defender Oluwatosin Demehin.

Just before halftime, she struck again, collecting the ball from Folashade Ijamilusi during a counterattack and unleashing a powerful shot from 22 yards that found the top corner, leaving Salah with no chance.

The match, held at the Remo Stars Sports Complex, featured other notable moments, including Esther Onyenezide missing a close-range opportunity in the 44th minute, while Ijamilusi was denied by Salah in both the 66th and 90th minutes.

Algeria’s best opportunity came in the 75th minute when forward Gladys Ikene’s chip shot narrowly missed the target after slipping past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

After the match, Algeria’s Coach Farid Benstiti acknowledged the challenge, stating, “We have a young team that is learning to connect better with each game. We appreciate these matches for improving our cohesion. Nigeria is a formidable opponent, and while we are not embarrassed to lose to them, I believe we’ll perform better on Tuesday after what we’ve learned today.”

Super Falcons’ Coach Justine Madugu noted the rebuilding phase of the team, saying, “Many of our home-based players impressed me. Ajibade consistently led from the front and provided great balance in attack. We’re eager to build on this performance in Tuesday’s match.”