Nigeria’s senior women’s national team defeated Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses 2-0 in a pre-AFCON international friendly match played on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta.

Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade scored both goals in the first half, converting from the penalty spot in the 28th minute before finishing a flowing move in the 43rd, following an assist from Rinsola Babajide.

The match was part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on July 5 and runs through July 26.

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu described the win as timely and uplifting for the squad. “This victory is a good psychological boost for the players as we continue our build-up to the tournament,” he said.

Nigeria, nine-time winners of the continental title, will be aiming to reclaim the crown after missing out in the 2022 edition. The Falcons previously lifted the trophy in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018. They also qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991 and 1995, when the African qualifiers were staged as home-and-away matches.

The friendly in Abeokuta offered Madugu a final opportunity to assess his squad in competitive conditions before the tournament begins.