YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon – Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a statement of intent on Tuesday evening, overturning an early deficit to thrash the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon 3-1 at the Military Stadium.
Coming off a stinging 1-0 defeat in the first leg of this double-header just three days prior, Head Coach Justine Madugu signaled his seriousness by making seven changes to the starting lineup. The reshuffled squad, featuring heavyweights like Chiamaka Nnadozie and Osinachi Ohale, was designed to restore the dominance expected of the 10-time African champions.
However, the script nearly repeated itself when Cameroon’s Christiane Kiki Meva exploited a gap in the 7th minute to fire the hosts ahead. The early goal briefly silenced the Nigerian contingent, but it proved to be the catalyst for a clinical response.
The Falcons found their rhythm in the 32nd minute. Winger Rinsola Babajide, a constant menace on the flank, whipped in a pinpoint delivery that found the rising Chiwendu Ihezuo. The striker made no mistake, powering a header past the Cameroonian goalkeeper to level the scores.
Nigeria didn’t wait for the second half to seize control. In the 43rd minute, Babajide transitioned from provider to protagonist. Following a chaotic scramble inside the six-yard box, she reacted with predatory instincts to poke the ball home, sending the Falcons into the tunnel with a 2-1 lead.
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The second half was a masterclass in game management. Madugu’s side squeezed the midfield, frustrating Cameroon’s attempts to build from the back. The insurance goal arrived in the 64th minute through fan-favorite Michelle Alozie. The right-back timed a late run to perfection, meeting a teasing cross from captain Rasheedat Ajibade with a trademark flying header to seal the 3-1 victory.
This win serves as the perfect morale booster as the Super Falcons finalize their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, which kicks off on March 17. Drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi, Nigeria looks ready to defend their crown and secure a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
