Reigning African champions Nigeria are keen to redeem themselves after losing to a late goal by Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses on Saturday in the first of two friendly matches in the Cameroonian capital, Yaoundé.
Both teams clash again on Tuesday (today) at the Military Stadium in Yaoundé to conclude a two-match arrangement organised by the two countries’ football federations as part of preparations for this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals.
The Lionesses, who will face Ghana, Mali and Cape Verde in Group D at this year’s tournament in Morocco, scored in added time of the second half at the same venue on Saturday evening, in what many consider a timely reality check for 10-time continental champions Nigeria.
Yvana Mbomezomo’s long-range effort in stoppage time beat debutant goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor for the only goal of the match. However, Erhabor delivered a composed and confident performance on her debut and can take positives from her outing.
Second-half substitutes Joy Omewa, Precious Christopher, Folashade Ijamilusi, Esther Onyenezide and Michelle Alozie increased the pressure on the Lionesses, but goalkeeper Ange Bawou was in fine form and stood firm for the hosts.
On Tuesday, head coach Justin Madugu is expected to tweak his tactics and possibly make changes to his personnel as the Falcons aim for victory, having previously defeated the Lionesses 1-0 in the final of the 2016 Women’s AFCON.
Africa’s top-ranked goalkeeper over the past two years, Chiamaka Nnadozie, could return to the starting line-up, with Alozie also likely to start alongside Oluwatosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale and Glory Ogbonna in defence. Onyenezide, Christopher, Ucheibe, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and Jennifer Echegini remain options in midfield.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Gift Monday, Rinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Ijamilusi are available attacking options.
Saturday’s defeat was Nigeria’s first loss in 90 minutes to an African opponent since the third-place match against Zambia at the 2022 WAFCON.
Nigeria head into WAFCON 2026 as defending champions and will compete in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and tournament debutants Malawi.
The tournament is scheduled to hold from March 17 to April 3 in Morocco, although its kickoff remains uncertain due to concerns over the hosts’ readiness.
The four semi-finalists at the 2026 WAFCON will earn automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
