The Nigeria women’s national football team (Super Falcons) bounced back strongly to defeat the Cameroon women’s national football team 3 to 1 in their second international friendly on Tuesday as both teams prepare for the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations.
Cameroon had edged the first friendly 1 to 0 at the Military Stadium in Yaounde on Saturday. This time, however, Nigeria responded with a much improved performance to secure a convincing win away from home.
The Indomitable Lionesses started brightly and took an early lead, putting the Super Falcons under pressure. Nigeria gradually settled into the game and found their equaliser in the 32nd minute. Chiwendu Ihezuo rose above the defence to head in a well delivered cross from Rinsola Babajide to make it 1 to 1.
Nigeria went in front just before halftime. In the 43rd minute, Babajide capitalised on a scramble inside the box and calmly finished to give her side a 2 to 1 advantage at the break.
After the restart, the Super Falcons continued to press and extended their lead shortly after the hour mark. Michelle Alozie headed home from a precise cross delivered by captain Rasheedat Ajibade to seal the 3 to 1 victory.
With the friendly matches concluded, both teams will now focus on final preparations for the tournament in Morocco scheduled from 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Nigeria, who are 10 time champions, will compete in Group C alongside Zambia women’s national football team, Egypt women’s national football team and Malawi women’s national football team. Their opening match will be against Malawi on 18 March in Casablanca.
Cameroon, runners up in 2016, have been drawn in Group D with Ghana women’s national football team, Mali women’s national football team and Cape Verde women’s national football team. They will begin their campaign against Mali on 18 March in Fes.
