Nigeria’s Super Falcons kicked off their final preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in winning fashion on Friday, defeating Senegal’s Teranga Lionesses 2-1 in the first of two pre-WAFCON friendly matches at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State.

Veteran forward Asisat Oshoala and Everton midfielder Toni Payne were the goalscorers for the ten-time African champions, with both goals coming before the interval to give head coach Justine Madugu’s side a commanding first-half lead. Oshoala, who was recalled to the squad after missing Nigeria’s March fixtures against Cameroon, opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute, calmly slotting home with the composure of a player in fine form. The Al Hilal forward, a six-time African Women’s Player of the Year, underlined her importance to the Falcons setup with a clinical finish.

Payne doubled Nigeria’s advantage four minutes before half-time, completing a well-worked team move by slotting home from a delightful through ball supplied by right-back Shukurat Oladipo, who has been in outstanding form following her recognition as the best defender in Italy’s Serie A Women this past season. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade came close to making it three before the break but was denied by a sharp save from the Senegalese goalkeeper.

The tempo dipped noticeably after the restart as Madugu took the opportunity to rotate his squad and run his eye over several players pushing for places in the final WAFCON selection. Oshoala and forward Folashade Ijamilusi both went close to extending the lead in the second half but could not convert. Senegal grabbed a late consolation with four minutes remaining when Sokhna Nogaye unleashed a well-struck long-range effort to reduce the deficit and give the scoreline a more competitive look.

The result will be an encouraging boost for a Super Falcons side that has struggled to find quality preparation matches in 2026, with a planned WAFU B tournament earlier in the year cancelled and a scheduled friendly against Jamaica falling through at the last moment. The double-header against Senegal now represents the Falcons’ most significant preparatory window before they travel to Morocco to defend their continental crown, making Monday’s second fixture at the same venue equally important.

Nigeria have been drawn in what many observers consider the tournament’s toughest group, Group C, where they will face Zambia, Egypt, and debutants Malawi. The stakes extend beyond the WAFCON title itself, as the semi-finalists at Morocco 2026 are expected to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.