Super Falcons Defeat Senegal 2-1 in WAFCON Warm-Up Friendly

Nigeria’s Super Falcons began their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-1 victory over Senegal in an international friendly played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State on Friday.

First-half goals from Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne secured the win for the nine-time African champions in what was the first-ever meeting between both senior women’s national teams.

Oshoala opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute after a handball was spotted inside the Senegal box. The veteran forward marked her return to the national team since the WAFCON 2024 final with a composed finish, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Beyond her goal, Oshoala used the occasion to deliver a powerful message, holding up wristbands bearing the inscriptions “Save the teachers” and “Bring back our children” following her celebration. The gesture was a call for the rescue of recently abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

Toni Payne doubled Nigeria’s advantage four minutes before half-time, finishing neatly after being released by right-back Shukurat Oladipo. Like Oshoala, Payne was making her first appearance for the Super Falcons since the last WAFCON final.

Head coach Justin Madugu handed a senior debut to Portsmouth goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor, while captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Francisca Ordega also featured in a strong starting lineup.

The Super Falcons controlled possession for much of the encounter and dictated the tempo, limiting Senegal’s attacking opportunities. However, the visitors pulled a goal back in the 86th minute through a long-range strike from Sokhna Pene, setting up a tense finish.

Nigeria held on to secure the victory, their first over Senegal since a 3-0 friendly win in 2018. The result continues the Super Falcons’ strong form as they prepare to defend their continental title in Morocco.

The two sides will meet again in a second friendly at the same venue on Monday, June 8, as part of continued preparations for the WAFCON tournament scheduled for July and August.

Nigeria have been drawn alongside Egypt, Malawi and Zambia in the group stage of the championship, where they will target an 11th continental crown.