The Super Falcons will look to raise their performance level when they face Senegal's Lionesses of Teranga in the second of their two-match international friendly series at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne-Remo on Monday.
After edging the first encounter 2-1 on Friday, Nigeria's senior women's national team are determined to deliver a more convincing display as preparations intensify for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Head Coach Justine Madugu has challenged his players to approach the rematch with greater attacking purpose, insisting that the nine-time African champions must be more aggressive in the final third despite securing victory in the opening fixture.
Goals from Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne handed the Falcons the advantage in the first meeting before Senegal pulled one back late in the game to ensure a tense finish.
With both nations using the friendlies to fine-tune their squads ahead of the continental showpiece, Monday's clash offers another valuable opportunity to assess tactical readiness and player combinations.
Nigeria and Senegal have met before in a WAFCON qualifying competition, with the Falcons emerging victorious 3-1 on aggregate in their 2016 qualification tie after drawing the first leg 1-1 and winning the return fixture 2-0.
The Super Falcons will head to Morocco aiming to reclaim continental supremacy and secure a record-extending 11th WAFCON title. Drawn in Group C, Nigeria will face Egypt, Zambia, and Malawi, while Senegal will compete in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Algeria, and Kenya.
Beyond continental glory, the tournament carries added significance as it will serve as Africa's qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. The top four teams will qualify automatically, while the fifth-placed side will advance to an intercontinental playoff for a final chance to reach the global finals.
Monday's encounter is therefore expected to provide another stern test for both teams as they continue their build-up towards one of the most important tournaments on the African women's football calendar.
This second friendly match provides the ideal environment for Coach Madugu to address the tactical gaps observed during Friday's narrow win. Refining the team's offensive efficiency remains crucial if Nigeria is to overcome its group-stage rivals in Morocco. A cohesive and high-intensity performance in Ikenne-Remo will build the necessary momentum for the squad ahead of their global qualification campaign.
Nigeria (Super Falcons) vs Senegal:
Over 2.5 Goals: The first leg ended in a 2-1 victory for Nigeria, showing that both sides are capable of finding the back of the net. With Head Coach Justine Madugu demanding greater aggression in the final third and a sharper attacking display, another open, high-scoring encounter is on the cards.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Senegal proved they can puncture the Nigerian defense with their late goal in the opening fixture. As both teams continue to iron out tactical gaps and test player combinations for the upcoming WAFCON, defensive lapses are likely, making BTTS a strong option.
Nigeria Win: Despite a tense finish in the first match, the nine-time African champions possess superior historical dominance and top-tier fire power with the likes of Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne. Playing on home soil in Ikenne-Remo, they should have enough quality to complete the double over the Lionesses of Teranga.
This second friendly provides the ideal environment for testing offensive efficiency and building momentum ahead of the global qualification campaign. Check here for betting odds.
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