Rasheedat Ajibade starred with a brace as Nigeria’s Super Falcons claimed a confident 2-0 win over Cameroon in a lively pre-WAFCON international friendly in Abeokuta on Tuesday evening, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Atletico Madrid midfielder captained the side with poise and purpose, scoring twice in the first half to help Nigeria begin their 2025 campaign on a high at the MKO Abiola Stadium.
Ajibade opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 26th minute after being brought down in the area, sending the Cameroonian goalkeeper the wrong way.
She doubled Nigeria’s lead just before the break, finishing off a slick move with a composed strike following a fine assist from Omorinsola Babajide.
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The victory was Nigeria’s 15th in 21 meetings against the Indomitable Lionesses and offered head coach Justin Madugu plenty of encouragement ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Despite torrential rain and a slick surface, the Falcons were sharp and well-organised, with Onumonu and Toni Payne creating chances early on.
The second half saw several changes, including the introduction of Francisca Ordega, Bolaji Olamide, Christy Ucheibe, and Emem Essien, as Madugu rotated his squad.
Cameroon improved after the interval but rarely threatened Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal. Nigeria, meanwhile, continued to move the ball with confidence, their passing sequences at times resembling vintage Barcelona.
Babajide was particularly impressive before being forced off with a knock, while Echegini and Payne controlled the midfield tempo with ease.
Though no goals were added after the break, the Falcons’ dominance never waned. The clean sheet, the control, and the composure all point to a team quietly building momentum ahead of the continental showpiece.