International Friendly: Oshoala Returns as Falcons Beat Senegal in Ikenne-Remo

Cup-holders Super Falcons opened their 14th WAFCON preparations with a controlled 2-1 victory over Senegal’s Teranga Lionesses, asserting authority early and managing the contest with composure for long spells.

The breakthrough came on the half-hour mark when Nigeria earned a penalty. Veteran forward Asisat Oshoala, making her first appearance since the WAFCON 2024 final, stepped up with assurance to convert in the 32nd minute. Her calm finish marked a significant return to the national team.

Nigeria maintained their intensity after taking the lead, circulating possession with purpose and probing Senegal’s backline. Their persistence was rewarded eleven minutes later when Toni Payne doubled the advantage, finishing off a well-worked attacking move.

Like Oshoala, Payne was also making her return after WAFCON 2024, underlining the squad’s depth and experience.

The Super Falcons controlled proceedings for much of the encounter, dictating tempo and limiting Senegal’s attacking openings.

However, the visitors found a late response in the 86th minute, halving the deficit and setting up a brief spell of pressure. Nigeria managed the closing stages effectively to secure the win.

This fixture marked the first-ever meeting between the Super Falcons and the Teranga Lionesses, adding historical significance to a contest that also serves as part of both teams’ build-up to the forthcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Both sides will meet again in a second friendly at the same venue on June 8, as Head Coach Justine Madugu continues fine-tuning his squad ahead of Nigeria’s title defence.