Pre-WAFCON Friendly: Super Falcons eye redemption against Lionesses

Pre-WAFCON Friendly: Super Falcons eye redemption against Lionesses

Reigning African champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, will seek a swift response when they face Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses in their second pre-WAFCON friendly in Yaounde on Tuesday.

The 10-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) winners conceded a stoppage-time goal in Saturday’s first meeting at the Military Stadium, a setback many view as a timely wake-up call ahead of the continental finals in Morocco.

Cameroon secured victory through Yvana Mbomezomo, whose long-range effort in added time beat debutant goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor. Despite the late concession, Erhabor delivered a composed performance in her first appearance for the Super Falcons.

Second-half substitutes Joy Omewa, Precious Christopher, Folashade Ijamilusi, Esther Onyenezide and Michelle Alozie added attacking impetus, but Cameroon goalkeeper Ange Bawou produced a resolute display to deny Nigeria an equaliser.

Head coach Justin Madugu is expected to ring changes for Tuesday’s rematch as Nigeria pushes for redemption.

First-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie could return to the starting lineup, while Alozie may feature in defence alongside Oluwatosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale and Glory Ogbonna.

Midfield options include Onyenezide, Christopher, Ucheibe, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and Jennifer Echegini, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Gift Monday, Rinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Ijamilusi providing attacking depth.

These friendlies serve as final preparations before the tournament kicks off on March 17, 2026.

Nigeria, defending champions after their 2024 triumph, open their campaign in Casablanca on March 18 against Malawi, while Cameroon face Mali in Fes.

The two-match series, arranged by both federations, offers the Super Falcons a crucial opportunity to fine-tune tactics and rebuild momentum ahead of the continental showpiece.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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