African champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons responded to their first-leg defeat with a 3–1 win over the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in the return fixture on Tuesday, www.aclsports.com reports.
First-half goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Rinsola Babajide, followed by a second-half header from Michelle Alozie at the Military Stadium in Yaoundé, saw the ten-time African champions return to winning ways in emphatic fashion.
Coach Justin Madugu opted for a stronger starting XI, making five changes from the first leg. He recalled Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Osinachi Ohale and Folashade Ijamilusi to the line-up as the Super Falcons sought a much-needed response.
Cameroon took the lead in the seventh minute, going 1–0 up and briefly putting Nigeria on the back foot.
The Super Falcons responded with Babajide the standout performer. The AS Roma winger provided the assist in the 32nd minute, delivering a cross for Ihezuo to head home and level the score at 1–1 after sustained pressure.
Three minutes later, another cross from Babajide caused problems in the Cameroonian box, but the visitors failed to convert as Nigeria continued to press.
Cameroon goalkeeper Ange Bawou made a number of crucial saves to keep her side in contention, denying Nigeria on several occasions as the visitors pushed for more goals.
In the 43rd minute, Nigeria seized the lead following a scramble in the box from a shot by captain Rasheedat Ajibade. Babajide, who had assisted the first goal, reacted quickest to bundle the ball home, putting the Super Falcons 2–1 up before half-time.
Madugu’s side carried their momentum into the second half and extended their lead in the 64th minute. Ajibade turned provider, delivering a cross that Alozie met with a fine header to make it 3–1 and put the game firmly under Nigeria’s control.
Cameroon came closest to reducing the deficit in the 89th minute but shot wide of Nnadozie’s goal as Nigeria’s defence stood firm to see out the contest.
The victory provides Madugu and his technical crew with a timely boost and valuable lessons as preparations continue for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria, the reigning champions, have been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt.
