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Joy Omewa Nets Brace as Super Falcons Cruise Past Senegal in WAFCON Warm-Up
Nigeria’s senior women’s national team produced a dominant second-half display to defeat Senegal’s Teranga Lionesses 3-0 in the second of their two international friendly matches at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, on Monday.
After a closely contested and goalless first half, the 10-time African champions raised their intensity after the break, converting their superiority into three well-taken goals to secure a convincing victory.
Nigeria started brightly and earned an early set-piece inside the opening minute, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade delivering the ball into the danger area. However, the opportunity went unconverted. The Falcons continued to apply pressure, with forward Joy Omewa threatening the Senegalese defence on several occasions.
Despite dominating possession and creating the better chances, the hosts were unable to find a breakthrough before halftime. In the 13th minute, another promising opening went begging as a close-range effort was dragged wide. Gift Monday remained a constant menace, stretching the Senegal backline with her movement and pace.
Omewa came closest to opening the scoring in the 15th minute when she rounded the goalkeeper, only to see her effort rebound off the woodwork as the first half ended goalless.
The breakthrough finally arrived three minutes after the restart. Defender Shukurat Oladipo delivered an excellent cross into the penalty area, and Omewa rose highest to power home a header in the 48th minute, giving Nigeria a deserved lead.
The goal injected greater confidence into the Falcons, who continued to dominate proceedings. Omewa doubled the advantage in the 55th minute after displaying strength and composure to break through the Senegalese defence before calmly finishing for her second goal of the match.
Nigeria completed the scoring in the 66th minute through substitute Asisat Oshoala. The experienced forward, who had come on for Omewa, finished off a well-worked move after being set up by Ajibade, who embarked on a surging run before delivering the decisive pass.
The Falcons maintained their defensive discipline for the remainder of the encounter, ensuring Senegal were unable to mount a comeback as they comfortably saw out the victory.
The impressive performance highlighted the squad’s attacking quality, depth, and growing cohesion as they continue preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria will be aiming to reclaim continental glory.
