Rasheedat Ajibade’s brace hands new manager Justin Madugu winning start vs Algeria

By Monsurah Olatunji

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade scored a first-half brace to propel Nigeria’s Super Falcons to a 2-0 victory over the Green Ladies of Algeria in an international friendly at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, on Saturday.

Ajibade opened the scoring in the 24th minute, expertly lobbing the Algerian goalkeeper after receiving a long-range pass from midfield. Just before halftime, she doubled the lead with a stunning volley from outside the box during two minutes of added time.

This win marked a promising start for interim coach Justin Madugu, who is rebuilding the squad following a disappointing Olympic campaign.

Although the Falcons had multiple chances to extend their lead in the second half, they maintained control of the match and effectively limited Algeria’s opportunities.

The friendly was the first of two scheduled encounters between the teams, with the second leg set for Tuesday, October 29, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

This match also marked Nigeria’s return to Grade A friendlies on home soil since the 2021 Aisha Buhari Women’s Tournament.

Madugu fielded a blend of home-based talents and foreign pros, with Ajibade leading the attack alongside Gift Monday and Chiamaka Nnadozie starting in goal. Defenders Tosin Demehin and Esther Onyenezide played crucial roles in the team’s solid performance.

Ahead of the match, Madugu highlighted the importance of the friendlies for rebuilding the team’s confidence.

“We respect the Algerians, but we need to bounce back strongly from our below-par outing at the Olympics and restore our team’s confidence and positive spirit,” he told the media.

Both teams will now prepare for their upcoming clash in Lagos, where the Falcons will aim to secure another victory and continue their resurgence under Madugu’s leadership.