Soccer
Nigeria and Nottingham Forest star Joy Omewa. Photo by IMAGO
Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered an impressive second-half performance to defeat Senegal 3-0 in an international friendly at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Monday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nottingham Forest forward Joy Omewa scored twice before veteran striker Asisat Oshoala added a third goal after coming off the bench as the ten-time African champions completed another convincing victory over the Teranga Lionesses.
The match was Nigeria’s second meeting with Senegal in four days as head coach Justine Madugu continued preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Morocco next month. The Falcons claimed a 2-1 win over the Lionesses at the same venue.
After several potential opponents were unable to arrange friendly matches with Nigeria, the Nigeria Football Federation secured a two-game series against Senegal.
Madugu made several changes to the side that defeated the same opponents earlier in the week. Omewa, Rinsola Babajide and Gift Monday were handed starting roles in attack, while first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie returned to the starting line-up after sitting out the previous encounter.
Despite controlling large periods of the first half, Nigeria could not find a breakthrough before the interval. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Toni Payne dictated play from midfield and created openings, but Senegal managed to hold firm as both teams went into the break with the score still goalless.
Soccer Nigeria: Omewa, Oshoala punish Senegal after the break
The deadlock was finally broken just four minutes into the second half. Omewa timed her run perfectly to meet a dangerous cross from Shukurat Oladipo and powered her header beyond the Senegal goalkeeper to give Nigeria a deserved lead.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Super Falcons continued to press forward. Seven minutes later, Omewa struck again. The forward capitalised on a defensive mistake, dispossessing a Senegal defender before calmly setting herself and guiding a precise shot into the net for her second goal of the afternoon.
Shortly after completing her brace, Omewa made way for six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala. The former Barcelona star needed little time to leave her mark on the game.
In the 66th minute, Ajibade produced one of the best moments of the match. The captain sprinted more than 20 metres to chase a floated pass into the penalty area before squaring the ball across goal. Oshoala arrived perfectly to finish from close range and make it 3-0.
The victory means Nigeria remain unbeaten against Senegal, recording four wins and one draw in five meetings between the two nations. It also continued the strong record of Madugu, who has now overseen 12 wins, three draws and just two defeats in 17 matches as Super Falcons coach. His only losses have come in friendly matches against Cameroon and France.
Having guided Nigeria to a historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title last year, Madugu will now turn his full attention to defending the crown when the continental tournament begins in Morocco next month.
Imhonlamhen
Imhonlamhen is a football writer and editor at Soccernet.ng with over six years’ experience shaping its editorial voice. A lifelong Arsenal and Super Eagles fan, he combines engineering precision with training in journalism and digital media. He has covered four AFCONs and two Women’s AFCON tournaments, specialising in Super Eagles history and tracking Nigerian players worldwide, while keeping a close eye on the NPFL and emerging homegrown talents.
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