WAFCON defending champions, Super Falcons are determined to redeem themselves after suffering a heartbreaking 1–0 defeat to Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses in the first of two international friendlies in Yaoundé.
Both teams will clash again today (on Tuesday) at the Stade Militaire de Yaoundé, drawing the curtain on a two-match arrangement organised by the two countries’ football federations as part of preparations for this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals in Morocco.
Super Falcons Suffers Stoppage-Time Heartbreak
Saturday’s clash at the same Military Stadium looked destined for a draw until deep into added time, when Cameroon delivered what many observers have described as a timely reality check for Nigeria’s 10-time continental champions.
Head coach Justine Madugu named a bold and experimental starting lineup that blended experience with fresh faces.
Nigeria controlled large spells of the game and pressed with authority, but poor finishing, hurried decisions in the final third and disciplined Cameroonian defending ensured the match remained goalless at halftime.
After the break, the pressure mounted, yet Cameroon goalkeeper Ange Bawou stood firm, producing key saves to frustrate the visitors.
Just as the game appeared to be heading for a stalemate, Mbomezomo’s long-range strike sealed a dramatic victory for the hosts.
Yvana Mbomezomo struck from outside the box in stoppage time, her effort beating debutant goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor for the only goal of the match.
Despite conceding late, Erhabor impressed on her senior international debut. The young goalkeeper was composed and confident throughout the contest and can take pride in her performance between the posts.
The result marked only Cameroon’s fourth victory in 14 meetings with Nigeria and their first triumph over the Super Falcons since 2015.
It also ended Nigeria’s near four-year unbeaten run against African opposition, a streak stretching back to their 1–0 defeat to Zambia in the third-place match at the 2022 WAFCON.
Super Falcons Dominate But Falter in Front of Goal
Head coach Justine Madugu named a bold and experimental starting lineup that blended experience with fresh faces.
Nigeria controlled large spells of the game and pressed with authority, but poor finishing, hurried decisions in the final third and disciplined Cameroonian defending ensured the match remained goalless at halftime.
After the break, Madugu introduced Joy Omewa, Precious Christopher, Folashade Ijamilusi, Esther Onyenezide and Michelle Alozie in a bid to inject urgency.
Tactical Tweaks Expected for Rematch
With pride and momentum on the line, Madugu is widely expected to adjust both tactics and personnel for Tuesday’s rematch.
Africa’s most celebrated goalkeeper in recent years, Chiamaka Nnadozie, returns between the posts.
Michelle Alozie have been restored to the starting lineup, forming a defensive unit with Demehin, Osinachi Ohale.
In midfield, Onyenezide, Christopher, Ucheibe, Okobi-Okeoghene and Echegini remain viable options, offering tactical flexibility and creativity.
Up front, captain Ajibade, Rinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Ijamilusi provide multiple attacking combinations as Nigeria search for sharper execution in front of goal.
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WAFCON Preparations Intensify
The double-header serves as crucial preparation for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3.
Cameroon, drawn in Group D alongside Ghana, Mali and Cape Verde, are using the series to fine-tune their squad after missing the 2024 edition.
Nigeria, defending champions and Africa’s most successful women’s side, are equally focused on retaining their continental crown.
Notably, the Super Falcons famously defeated Cameroon 1–0 in front of their home fans in the final of the 2016 Women AFCON, a reminder of the fierce rivalry that defines this fixture.
