Nigeria’s Super Falcons continued their preparations for the upcoming 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a commanding 2-0 victory over rivals Cameroon in an international friendly held on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta.

 

Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade was the star of the match, netting both goals in the first half. She opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a well-placed penalty before doubling the lead in the 43rd minute, finishing off a swift attacking move initiated by Rinsola Babajide.

 

The win served as both a confidence booster and a tactical rehearsal as the nine-time African champions gear up for another title challenge at the Women’s AFCON, scheduled to take place in Morocco from July 5 to 26.

 

Reacting after the match, Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu described the result as a psychological boost and an important step forward in the team’s tournament preparations.

 

“It’s still a work in progress, but this win is encouraging,” Madugu said. “We have more to work on, but playing and beating a strong side like Cameroon gives us the chance to test our systems. It’s also a matter of national pride—matches between Nigeria and Cameroon are always significant.”

 

Madugu added that while the team would have appreciated more friendly matches to test additional players and tactics, they are focused on making the most of the resources available as the tournament draws near.

 

The Super Falcons are eyeing their 10th WAFCON title, having previously won in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2022. The team also won in 1991 and 1995 when the competition served as part of FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, making Nigeria the continent’s most successful women’s football nation.

 

With this victory, the Falcons extend their psychological edge over the Indomitable Lionesses, one of Africa’s other top women’s football teams, as the countdown to Morocco 2024 intensifies.