African Champions Show Early Promise as Preparations Intensify for 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
By A1NEWS International / June 6, 2026
IKENNE, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA — Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered an encouraging performance in their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), defeating Senegal’s Teranga Lionesses 2-1 in an international friendly played at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Goals from veteran striker Asisat Oshoala and midfield playmaker Toni Payne secured victory for the nine-time African champions, who are fine-tuning their squad ahead of the continental tournament scheduled to hold between July and August 2026.
The victory offered a glimpse into the readiness of Head Coach Justin Madugu’s side as they seek to defend their continental crown against a new generation of ambitious African rivals.
Falcons Dominate Opening Exchanges
From the opening whistle, Nigeria asserted its dominance, controlling possession and dictating the tempo against a Senegalese side determined to test the continent’s most successful women’s national team.
The Super Falcons’ attacking intent paid off in the 32nd minute when Toni Payne broke the deadlock with a clinical finish.
The Everton midfielder capitalized on a well-crafted attacking move initiated down the right flank. Defender Shukurat Oladipo delivered a precise pass into the danger area, allowing Payne to slot home confidently and hand Nigeria a deserved lead.
The goal energized the home side, which continued to pile pressure on Senegal’s defensive line.
Oshoala Extends Lead From The Spot
Nigeria doubled its advantage before halftime after sustained pressure forced an error inside the Senegalese penalty area.
Veteran forward Asisat Oshoala, one of Africa’s most decorated female footballers, calmly converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-0.
The goal marked another important contribution from the former African Women’s Player of the Year, whose experience and leadership remain vital to the Super Falcons’ ambitions on the continental stage.
The hosts nearly added a third goal before the break when captain Rasheedat Ajibade found space inside the attacking third. However, Senegalese goalkeeper Khadi Faye produced a timely save to deny the Nigerian skipper.
Nigeria Maintain Control After Restart
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Nigeria enjoying the majority of possession and creating several scoring opportunities.
Coach Justin Madugu’s side displayed tactical discipline, fluid passing combinations, and defensive organization that largely kept Senegal at bay.
The Super Falcons repeatedly threatened to increase their lead but were unable to convert several promising chances.
Despite the missed opportunities, Nigeria’s midfield maintained control, preventing Senegal from building sustained attacks for much of the encounter.
Senegal Fight Back Late
As the match approached its conclusion, Senegal found renewed energy and mounted a late offensive push.
Their persistence paid off in the 87th minute when Sokhna Pene unleashed a powerful long-range strike that beat the Nigerian goalkeeper and reduced the deficit to 2-1.
The late goal injected tension into the closing moments of the game, but the Super Falcons remained composed under pressure.
Nigeria’s defence successfully absorbed Senegal’s final attacks, ensuring the African champions held on for a valuable victory.
Key Test Ahead of WAFCON 2026
Friday’s encounter forms part of a broader preparation programme designed to sharpen the Super Falcons ahead of WAFCON 2026.
The competition is expected to be one of the most competitive editions in recent history, with several African nations investing heavily in women’s football development.
For Nigeria, the friendly offered an opportunity to assess squad depth, tactical flexibility, and player fitness before the continental showpiece.
The performance of experienced stars such as Oshoala, Payne, and Ajibade is likely to encourage the technical crew, while emerging talents continue to push for places in the final tournament squad.
Rematch Set for Monday
Both teams will return to action on Monday at the same venue for a second friendly match.
The rematch is expected to provide another valuable assessment for both coaches as they continue preparations for WAFCON.
For Senegal, the second fixture presents an opportunity to address defensive vulnerabilities exposed during Friday’s encounter.
For Nigeria, it offers another chance to build momentum and fine-tune strategies ahead of their title defence campaign.
Nigeria’s Rich WAFCON Legacy
The Super Falcons remain the most successful team in the history of African women’s football.
With ten WAFCON titles to their name, Nigeria has established itself as the continent’s dominant force for decades.
However, the emergence of stronger competitors such as South Africa, Morocco, Zambia, and Senegal has intensified competition, making preparation matches such as Friday’s fixture increasingly important.
The victory over Senegal will therefore serve as both a confidence booster and a useful benchmark as Nigeria pursues yet another continental triumph.
Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Senegal highlighted both the strengths and areas requiring refinement as the Super Falcons continue preparations for WAFCON 2026.
Goals from Toni Payne and Asisat Oshoala underscored the team’s attacking quality, while the late Senegalese strike served as a reminder that defensive concentration remains essential.
With another friendly against Senegal scheduled for Monday, the Super Falcons will seek to build on this positive result as they continue their quest to retain their status as queens of African football.
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