Africa’s most successful women’s football team, the Nigeria Super Falcons, are preparing for a tougher and more focused performance in today’s second international friendly against Senegal’s women’s team, the Lionesses of Teranga.
Both sides met in the first game of the double-header last Friday in Ikenne-Remo, where the Super Falcons edged a tight contest 2-1 after a hard-fought encounter.
Goals from Asisat Oshoala (from the penalty spot) and Toni Payne gave Nigeria the win, while Senegal pulled one back in the closing minutes of the match to make it a tense finish.
Ahead of the second meeting at the Remo Stars Sports Complex, head coach Justine Madugu said his team will approach the game with more focus and urgency as both sides continue their preparation for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
He explained that the Super Falcons want to test new tactics, improve teamwork, and make better use of scoring chances as the tournament draws closer.
The Nigerian side already has a strong history against Senegal, including a 3-1 aggregate win over them in the 2016 WAFCON qualifiers, where they drew the first leg 1-1 before winning the return leg 2-0.
At the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the Super Falcons—who are chasing a record-extending 11th title—have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia, and debutants Malawi.
Senegal, on the other hand, will compete in Group A against hosts Morocco, Algeria, and Kenya.
The tournament, scheduled to run from July 25 to August 16, will also serve as the qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The top four teams will earn direct tickets to Brazil, while the fifth-placed team will still have a chance through an intercontinental playoff.