Super Falcons vs Senegal Second Leg: Madugu Demands More From Oshoala, Ajibade Ahead of WAFCON

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are under clear instruction from head coach Justine Madugu to raise their level when they face Senegal’s Lionesses of Teranga in the second leg of their international friendly double-header at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne on Monday, June 8.

The 10-time African champions secured a 2-1 win in the opening fixture on Friday, with Asisat Oshoala converting from the penalty spot and Toni Payne adding a second. However, Sokhna Pene’s late goal for Senegal served as a timely reminder that the opposition will not be easily contained. Madugu has since made clear that Friday’s showing was a baseline, not a benchmark.

With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco now weeks away, the coach has publicly called for the squad to be more “intentional and purposeful” in attack — a directive expected to manifest in a more aggressive, high-pressing approach from kick-off in the rematch. Nigeria’s drop in intensity in the second half of the first leg was identified as a key area for improvement, particularly as sustained pressure for a full 90 minutes will be essential at tournament level.

The partnership between captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Oshoala is expected to be a focal point again. Ajibade was prominent throughout Friday’s match but was repeatedly denied by Senegal’s goalkeeper before half-time. With both Oshoala and Payne carrying confidence from their first-leg contributions, the coaching staff will be looking for that attacking combination to function with greater cohesion and clinical efficiency in the second fixture. Right-back Shukurat Oladipo’s overlapping runs are also likely to feature as a tactical tool to create width and overload Senegal’s defensive structure.

Beyond the result itself, the stakes of Monday’s game are shaped by what follows it. Nigeria are in Group C at WAFCON alongside Egypt, Zambia, and debutants Malawi. The tournament simultaneously functions as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, adding considerable weight to every preparatory decision made by the coaching staff. The Falcons are chasing an 11th continental title, and Madugu has emphasised the need to enter Morocco with the right tactical habits and collective mindset already embedded.

For historical context, Nigeria defeated Senegal 3-1 on aggregate during the 2016 WAFCON qualifying campaign, though the current friendly series is focused on preparation rather than past precedent.

The second leg kicks off at 4pm local time at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, with Nigeria’s coaching staff treating it as the definitive dress rehearsal before competitive action resumes on the continental stage.