Nigeria respond to setback with 3–1 win over Cameroon in friendly
Football • 3h ago
**Super Falcons Rise from the Ashes with Thrilling 3-1 Win Over Cameroon**
After a disappointing loss to Cameroon at the weekend, the Nigerian women's national football team, the Super Falcons, bounced back in style with a 3-1 victory over their West African counterparts in an international friendly match held at the Military Stadium in Yaoundé on Tuesday. This hard-fought win is a welcome boost for the Falcons, especially as they gear up for the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
The match was a testament to the Falcons' resilience and determination to regain their form. Despite Cameroon's early 7th-minute lead, the Nigerian team remained focused and worked tirelessly to assert their dominance in midfield and on the wings. It was only a matter of time before they equalized, and Chinwendu Ihezuo did just that in the 32nd minute with a well-taken header from Rinsola Babajide's delivery.
The turning point came when Babajide scored the winner in the 43rd minute, converting a loose ball in the box with precision. The Falcons continued to press their advantage after the break, with Captain Rasheedat Ajibade creating the third goal for Michelle Alozie with a beautiful cross from the right in the 64th minute.
Coach Justin Madugu's tactical changes proved to be the game-changer, as the Falcons pressed higher up the pitch and limited Cameroon's ability to play through midfield. This forced the hosts to resort to long and ineffective passes, ultimately leading to their downfall.
The victory is a significant morale-booster for the Super Falcons ahead of WAFCON, where they will be vying for top honors against the best teams in Africa. For Cameroon, the two-match series provided valuable preparation against high-level opposition, which will undoubtedly benefit them in their continental campaign.
The Super Falcons' display against Cameroon is a reminder of their status as one of Africa's most consistent teams, and they will be looking to build on this momentum as they prepare to take on the best of the continent in Morocco.