Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne Fire Super Falcons to 2-1 Friendly Win Over Senegal Ahead of WAFCON 2026

The Super Falcons of Nigeria got their build-up to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) off to a winning start on Friday, defeating Senegal‘s Teranga Lionesses 2-1 in an international friendly held in Ikenne-Remo.

Veteran striker Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, coolly dispatching a penalty to hand Nigeria the lead. The goal marked Oshoala’s first appearance for the Super Falcons since the WAFCON 2024 final, underscoring the significance of her return to the national setup ahead of a major tournament.

Nigeria did not take long to extend their advantage. Just 11 minutes after Oshoala’s opener, Toni Payne — also back in the fold following her involvement at WAFCON 2024 — added a second with a well-taken finish from a composed team move, putting the Super Falcons firmly in control at 2-0.

Senegal showed character in the closing stages, however, pulling a goal back in the 86th minute to make the final scoreline 2-1. Despite the late consolation, Nigeria maintained their composure to see out the result without significant difficulty.

The victory gives Nigeria positive momentum as preparations intensify for the 14th edition of WAFCON, scheduled to be hosted in Morocco later in 2026. As the most decorated nation in the tournament’s history — having won the title a record 11 times — Nigeria will enter the competition as defending champions following their triumph at WAFCON 2024.

Both nations are set to face each other once more in a second friendly at the same venue in Ikenne-Remo on Monday, June 8, providing head coach and players with additional preparation time before the continental showpiece.

The return of experienced figures such as Oshoala and Payne to the national team will be closely monitored in that second fixture, as Nigeria’s coaching staff assess fitness levels and tactical combinations ahead of the tournament.