Ten-time African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, are determined to bounce back when they face the Cameroon women’s national football team in their second international friendly on Tuesday in Yaoundé.
Nigeria suffered a narrow defeat in the first meeting on Saturday at the Military Stadium, conceding a late goal that handed the Lionesses victory. The two matches were arranged by both federations as part of preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Cameroon, who are drawn in Group D alongside Ghana, Mali and Cape Verde, struck deep into added time to seal the win. The decisive moment came from Yvana Mbomezomo, whose long-range effort beat debutant goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor. Despite conceding, Erhabor impressed with her calmness and confident display in her first outing for Nigeria.
Coach Justin Madugu introduced several second-half substitutes, including Joy Omewa, Precious Christopher, Folashade Ijamilusi, Esther Onyenezide and Michelle Alozie, in a bid to turn the tide. However, Cameroon goalkeeper Ange Bawou stood firm, producing key saves to frustrate the Falcons.
With the final friendly set for Tuesday at the same venue, Madugu is expected to tweak his tactics and possibly rotate his squad. Africa’s top-rated goalkeeper in recent years, Chiamaka Nnadozie, could feature, while Alozie may return to the starting lineup alongside Oluwatosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale and Glory Ogbonna in defence.
In midfield, Onyenezide, Christopher, Christy Ucheibe, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and Jennifer Echegini remain available, while captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Gift Monday, Rinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Ijamilusi provide attacking options.
Having beaten Cameroon 1–0 in the 2016 WAFCON final on their home soil, the Falcons will be eager to end this two-match series on a high and regain momentum ahead of the continental showpiece.
