Super Falcons Eye Bounce-Back Victory Ahead of WAFCON

Super Falcons Eye Bounce-Back Victory Ahead of WAFCON

By Niyi Busari 

Reigning African champions Nigeria will look to respond strongly when they face Cameroon in the second of their two pre-WAFCON international friendlies on Tuesday at the Military Stadium in Yaounde, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Super Falcons suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat in Saturday’s first encounter, conceding a stoppage-time goal to the Indomitable Lionesses in what many observers described as a timely wake-up call ahead of this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Cameroon, drawn in Group D alongside Ghana, Mali and Cape Verde, secured victory through a late strike from Yvana Mbomezomo. Her long-range effort in added time beat debutant goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor for the only goal of the match.

Despite conceding, Erhabor impressed on her international debut, displaying composure and confidence throughout the contest.

Nigeria introduced several second-half substitutes in a bid to turn the tide, including Joy Omewa, Precious Christopher, Folashade Ijamilusi, Esther Onyenezide and Michelle Alozie. However, Cameroon goalkeeper Ange Bawou produced a standout performance, denying the Falcons any breakthrough.

Tuesday’s fixture concludes the two-match arrangement organised by both countries’ football federations as part of preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Head Coach Justin Madugu is expected to adjust both tactics and personnel as Nigeria pursue a positive response. The Falcons, 10-time continental champions, defeated Cameroon 1–0 in the 2016 Women AFCON final and will be determined to reassert their dominance.

First-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie could feature in the return leg, while Alozie may be handed a starting role alongside defenders Oluwatosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale and Glory Ogbonna.

Midfield options remain strong, with Onyenezide, Christopher, Ucheibe, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and Jennifer Echegini all available for selection.

In attack, captain Rasheedat Ajibade is expected to lead the line, supported by Gift Monday, Rinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Ijamilusi.

With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations fast approaching, the Super Falcons will view Tuesday’s encounter as an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations — and restore confidence — before the continental showpiece begins.