The Super Falcons sent another powerful warning to the rest of Africa ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne on Monday.
The continental champons produced a dominant second-half display to defeat Senegal’s Teranga Lionesses 3-0 in the second leg of in their international friendly series.
Having edged the first encounter 2-1 on Friday, head coach Justine Madugu’s side raised their level significantly in the return fixture, turning a tense first-half battle into a one-sided contest.
After the interval, Joy Omewa announced herself with a superb brace before Asisat Oshoala added the icing on the cake.
The convincing victory means Nigeria completed a perfect double over Senegal with a 5-1 aggregate, scoring five goals across the two matches while conceding only one, ahead of next month’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
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Fast Start But No Breakthrough
The Super Falcons kicked off the with dominance almost immediately, in front of their home supporters.
Inside the opening minute, captain Rasheedat Ajibade delivered a dangerous set-piece into the Senegalese area, but Nigeria failed to convert the early opportunity.
The hosts continued to dominate possession and territory, pushing Senegal onto the back foot with relentless attacking pressure.
Young forward, Joy Omewa looked particularly lively and nearly found the breakthrough in the opening exchanges.
The striker continued to trouble the Senegal defence with her movement and direct running, while Gift Monday constantly stretched the visitors’ backline.
Despite Nigeria’s dominance, the opening goal remained elusive.
A glorious chance arrived in the 13th minute when the Falcons found themselves with the goal at their mercy, only for the opportunity to be dragged wide.
Two minutes later, Omewa produced one of the moments of the half. After cleverly rounding the Senegal goalkeeper, the striker looked destined to score, but her effort crashed against the woodwork, leaving the home crowd stunned.
The Teranga Lionesses survived wave after wave of Nigerian attacks and somehow managed to reach halftime with the scoreline still locked at 0-0.
Oladipo and Omewa Combine to Finally Break Senegal
Whatever was said inside the Nigerian dressing room at halftime immediately produced results.
Just three minutes after the restart, the deadlock was finally broken.
Defender Shukurat Oladipo, who has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers during the friendly series, delivered a pinpoint cross into the box in the 48th minute.
Waiting at the end of it was Joy Omewa.
The forward rose brilliantly to meet the delivery and powered her header beyond the goalkeeper to hand Nigeria a deserved lead and send the home supporters into celebration.
The goal completely transformed the contest.
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Omewa Announces Herself with Brilliant Brace
With confidence flowing through the side, the Falcons became increasingly difficult to stop.
Seven minutes after opening the scoring, Omewa struck again.
The striker showed tremendous determination and physical strength to power her way through the Senegal defence, to finish clinically and double Nigeria’s advantage in the 55th minute.
It was a reward for a performance that had threatened to produce goals from the opening whistle.
Her brace not only highlighted her finishing ability but also dictated the growing attacking depth available to coach Justine Madugu ahead of the continental championship.
Captain Ajibade Creates, Oshoala Finishes
Nigeria refused to ease off despite establishing a comfortable lead.
The Falcons continued to dominate proceedings and were rewarded with a third goal midway through the second half.
In the 66th minute, captain Rasheedat Ajibade produced a trademark driving run through the heart of the Senegal defence.
Showing excellent awareness, the skipper slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the path of substitute Asisat Oshoala, who had earlier replaced the impressive Omewa.
The six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year calmly slotted the ball into the net to make it 3-0 and cap another productive outing after scoring from the penalty spot during Friday’s first-leg victory.
The goal was Oshoala’s second of the two-match series as the experienced forward remains a vital weapon for Nigeria heading into WAFCON.
– Read More: WAFCON 2026: Is Senegal vs Super Falcons Friendly Too Late?
Defensive Solidity Completes Super Falcons Performance
While Nigeria’s attack deserved praise, the defensive unit also produced an excellent display.
The Falcons remained organized throughout the match, limiting Senegal’s opportunities and ensuring goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie enjoyed a relatively comfortable afternoon.
Unlike the first encounter, where Senegal managed a late consolation goal, the visitors found no route back into the contest this time as Nigeria maintained concentration until the final whistle.
Perfect Preparation Ahead of WAFCON
The victory provides another significant boost for the reigning African champions as preparations intensify for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Nigeria will head into the tournament seeking a record-extending 11th continental crown and will face Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi in Group C.
Senegal, meanwhile, have been drawn into Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Algeria and Kenya.
The tournament, scheduled to run from July 25 to August 16 in Morocco, will also serve as Africa’s qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The top four teams will secure automatic qualification, while the fifth-placed side will advance to an intercontinental playoff tournament.
For now, however, the Super Falcons can take great encouragement from a friendly campaign that showcased attacking flair, defensive discipline, squad depth and a growing sense of momentum.
With Joy Omewa emerging as one of the biggest winners from the double-header and Oshoala rediscovering her scoring touch, Nigeria’s quest for an 11th African title kicks off on a good note.
