Super Falcons bounce back to defeat Cameroon 3–1 in Yaoundé friendly

Nine-time African champions Nigeria produced a spirited comeback to defeat Cameroon 3–1 in an international friendly at the Military Stadium in Yaoundé on Tuesday, responding emphatically to their narrow loss in the first meeting of the two-game series, Sport360NG reports.

The Super Falcons had fallen to a 1–0 defeat three days earlier, but they returned with renewed purpose and sharper attacking coordination to overcome the Indomitable Lionesses on their home turf.

Head coach Justin Madugu rang the changes following Saturday’s setback, introducing seven new starters in a bid to inject energy and restore balance. Despite the reshuffle, Cameroon seized the initiative early, breaking the deadlock in the seventh minute to momentarily threaten a repeat of the previous encounter.

Nigeria, however, responded with composure and growing confidence. The equaliser arrived in the 32nd minute when Chinwendu Ihezuo climbed above her marker to power home a header from an inviting delivery by Rinsola Babajide. The goal shifted momentum decisively in Nigeria’s favour.

Babajide soon turned scorer to complete the turnaround. Capitalising on a loose ball inside the penalty area, she reacted quickest to fire the Super Falcons into the lead two minutes before the interval.

Nigeria’s tactical adjustments were evident throughout the contest, particularly in midfield, where improved pressing disrupted Cameroon’s rhythm and forced the hosts into hurried long passes.

The visitors put the result beyond doubt in the 64th minute. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade burst down the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross that was met by a diving header from Michelle Alozie, sealing a deserved victory.

Both teams are using the friendly fixtures as part of their preparations for the 14th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from 17 March to 3 April.

For Nigeria, the response in Yaoundé offers renewed belief and valuable insight as the Super Falcons fine-tune their campaign ahead of the continental showpiece.