African champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated Senegal 2-1 in the first of their international friendly double-header in Ikenne on Friday, www.aclsports.com reports.
First-half goals from Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne at the Remo Stars Stadium proved enough to seal the win.
Head coach Justin Madugu named a strong side for the encounter, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Toni Payne and Francisca Ordega all handed starting roles as the team continued preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Falcons controlled possession from the outset and dictated the tempo, but an early breakthrough remained elusive.
The pressure eventually told just after the half-hour mark when a handball inside the Senegal penalty area handed the hosts a spot-kick. Six-time African Player of the Year Oshoala stepped up and confidently converted from 12 yards to put Nigeria ahead in the 31st minute.
Nigeria doubled their advantage four minutes before the break. Defender Shukurat Oladipo produced an excellent pass to release Payne, who finished neatly to make it 2-0.
The Super Falcons nearly added a third before the interval, but Ajibade was denied by Senegal goalkeeper Khady Faye after another well-worked attacking move.
Senegal went into the break trailing by two goals after being second best throughout the opening half.
The hosts began the second half brightly and almost extended their lead five minutes after the restart. A flowing move involving Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe ended with Folashade Ijamilusi delivering a dangerous cross into the area, but Oshoala was unable to apply the finishing touch.
Senegal briefly threatened from a corner kick midway through the second half, but the Nigerian defence remained composed and dealt with the danger comfortably. At the other end, Ijamilusi headed over from inside the box.
Madugu turned to his bench in the 67th minute, introducing Rofiat Imuran, Blessing Nkor and Joy Omewa in place of Oshoala, Glory Ogbonna and Ordega.
Despite Nigeria’s comfortable grip on the contest, Senegal found a route back into the game three minutes from time. Sokhna Nogaye capitalised on an intercepted pass before unleashing a superb long-range strike beyond Erhabor to reduce the deficit.
The Nigerian bench responded with another double substitution late on, as Josephine Mathias and Rinsola Babajide replaced Payne and Ijamilusi to help see out the victory.
The second match of the two-game series will be played at the same venue on June 8.
