The Super Falcons of Nigeria continued their strong build-up to the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a 2–0 win over long-time rivals Cameroon in a friendly played at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, on Tuesday.
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade was the star of the evening, scoring both goals in the first half to seal the win for Nigeria. The match, which comes just weeks ahead of the continental tournament in Morocco, served as a key test of mentality and squad readiness, especially against a familiar and competitive opponent.
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First-Half Dominance Led by Ajibade
The Super Falcons started the match with intent, pushing forward aggressively and controlling possession from the outset. Their dominance paid off in the 28th minute when Rasheedat Ajibade was fouled inside the penalty box. She stepped up to convert the spot kick, giving Nigeria a 1–0 lead.
Just before the halftime break, Ajibade doubled the advantage in the 43rd minute. A well-placed cross from Rinsola Babajide on the left wing found the captain in stride, and she made no mistake from close range to score her second of the game.
The brace was a continuation of Ajibade’s rich run of form, having also scored the winning penalty in Nigeria’s Olympic qualifying victory over South Africa earlier this year.
Cameroon Pushes Back, but Falcons Hold Firm
Despite going into the break two goals down, the Indomitable Lionesses came out in the second half with renewed energy. They launched several attacking moves, but Nigeria’s defense, marshaled by Payne Antoinette and Sikiratu Isah, held firm.
Cameroon’s best chance came in the 66th minute when striker Blanche Tabe tested Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, but the Paris FC shot-stopper made a brilliant save to keep the clean sheet. The second half saw fewer clear-cut chances for both sides, but Nigeria remained tactically disciplined, seeing out the match with maturity.
A Crucial Test Ahead of WAFCON
Head coach Justine Madugu described the win as timely and psychologically significant.
“This victory is a good psychological boost for the players as we continue our build-up to the tournament,” Madugu told reporters post-match. “It’s not just about winning a friendly, it’s about building the right mentality before WAFCON.”
Madugu, who served as an assistant coach during Nigeria’s disappointing 2022 WAFCON campaign, is focused on shifting the team’s mindset heading into the tournament in Morocco. The Super Falcons finished fourth in 2022, their lowest performance in over a decade, and the pressure to reclaim their dominance is palpable.
Nigeria and Cameroon: A Rivalry Rekindled
Tuesday’s encounter was more than a mere warm-up—it was another chapter in the long-standing rivalry between Nigeria and Cameroon in women’s football.
The two sides have faced off in several critical matches in recent years, including Olympic and World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria denied Cameroon Olympic qualification last year and previously defeated them in the 2016 and 2018 WAFCON editions.
Though Cameroon failed to qualify for the 2025 WAFCON, their presence in this friendly provided a worthy test for the Super Falcons.
Squad Depth and Experience on Display
The match also served as a final opportunity for Madugu to evaluate his players before finalizing the tournament squad. Several veterans including Francisca Ordega, Toni Payne, and Chiamaka Nnadozie played pivotal roles, while new additions like Rinsola Babajide and Emem Essien showed promise.
Ajibade’s leadership was evident throughout the game, while midfielders like Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe ensured control in the middle of the park.
The squad’s balance of experience and emerging talent could prove vital in Morocco, where Nigeria will face Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana in Group B.
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Next Steps: All Eyes on Morocco
With this win, Nigeria wraps up its final phase of preparations before heading to Morocco. The 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on July 5, and expectations are high for the nine-time champions.
Coach Madugu emphasized that while the victory over Cameroon is encouraging, the work is far from over. “We must continue to build consistency and team spirit. The friendly served its purpose, but the real test begins in Morocco.”
Final Thoughts
The 2–0 victory over Cameroon is a confidence-booster, but more importantly, it signals that Nigeria is approaching WAFCON with seriousness and tactical discipline. With Ajibade in top form and a well-balanced squad behind her, the Super Falcons are shaping up to be strong contenders once again.
As Nigeria sets its sights on continental glory, this win in Abeokuta will be remembered not just for the scoreline—but for the tone it sets heading into WAFCON 2025.