Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a second-half performance to defeat Cameroon 3-1 in an international friendly on Tuesday, boosting confidence ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The nine-time African champions fell behind just seven minutes into the encounter in Yaounde after the Indomitable Lionesses capitalised on a swift counterattack.
But Nigeria responded strongly.
Chinwendu Ihezuo restored parity in the 32nd minute, rising highest to head home from Rinsola Babajide’s pinpoint delivery.
The Falcons maintained pressure and turned the game around just before halftime. With two minutes left in the first half, Babajide reacted quickest to a goalmouth scramble, slotting home to hand Nigeria a 2-1 lead at the break.
Coach Justin Madugu’s side continued to dictate play after the restart and extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Michelle Alozie calmly finished to put the result beyond doubt, sealing a morale-boosting comeback victory.
The win marks a swift response for Nigeria, who had suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in the first leg of the two-game friendly series.
The result provides momentum as the Super Falcons prepare to defend their WAFCON title at the 2026 tournament, which kicks off on March 17.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia’s Copper Queens, Malawi’s Scorchers and Egypt’s Cleopatras. The Falcons open their campaign against Malawi on March 18, before facing Zambia on March 21 and Egypt on March 24.
The 2026 WAFCON will also serve as Africa’s qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The top four teams at the continental showpiece will secure tickets to the global tournament scheduled to run from June 24 to July 25, 2027.
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