African champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, lost 1-0 to the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon courtesy of a late-minute goal by Mbomezomo Yvana in a pre-Women’s Africa Cup of Nations friendly on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The goal came in the 90th minute of the encounter at the Military Stadium in Yaoundé, the first of a double-header between the two sides. This is Nigeria’s first loss in 90 minutes to an African opponent since the third-place match against Zambia at the 2022 WAFCON.
Coach Justin Madugu handed a debut to goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor, while Glory Ogbonna returned to the backline. Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene made her first start for the Super Falcons in years, partnering Jennifer Echegini in midfield, as Gift Monday led the attack alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Rinsola Babajide.
Both teams created a couple of chances in an evenly contested first half but failed to make them count. The Super Falcons spurned promising opportunities to take the lead, while debutant Erhabor produced a fine save to deny Cameroon the opener. At the other end, Cameroon goalkeeper Ange Bawou proved difficult to beat, making important blocks as Nigeria pressed forward, and the half ended goalless.
Madugu made changes in the second half, introducing Precious Christopher on her debut and bringing on Folashade Ijamilusi to inject fresh impetus into the side. The substitutions added urgency and attacking width, but clear-cut chances remained limited as both defences stood resolute.
Just when it appeared the match would end in a stalemate, Mbomezomo Yvana struck deep into stoppage time to hand the hosts victory and seal a dramatic finish in Yaoundé, with the President of the Cameroonian Football Federation, Samuel Eto’o, in attendance.
The result offers Madugu and his technical crew key lessons as preparations continue for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The return leg will be played on Thursday, 3 March 2026, as the Super Falcons seek a response and an improved performance in their build-up to the continental showpiece.
