Nigeria’s Nigeria women’s national football team will be aiming to bounce back in Yaounde on Tuesday as they face Cameroon women’s national football team in the second of their two international friendlies.
The reigning African champions fell to a 1–0 loss in the opening encounter at the Military Stadium on Saturday, conceding a dramatic stoppage-time goal that handed Cameroon early advantage in the build-up to this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Cameroon sealed victory deep into added time when Yvana Mbomezomo struck from long range, beating Nigeria’s debutant goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor. The youngster had delivered a composed performance for most of the match before the late effort denied her an impressive first outing.
In response, Nigeria intensified their attacking efforts after the break, with Joy Omewa, Precious Christopher, Folashade Ijamilusi, Esther Onyenezide and Michelle Alozie introduced to inject urgency. However, Cameroon goalkeeper Ange Bawou stood firm, producing crucial saves to maintain her team’s lead.
Head coach Justin Madugu is likely to make tactical tweaks for the rematch as the Falcons look for improved cohesion and efficiency. Chiamaka Nnadozie, considered one of Africa’s leading goalkeepers in recent years, may return in goal, while Alozie could reinforce the defence alongside Oluwatosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale and Glory Ogbonna.
Midfield options such as Onyenezide, Christopher, Christy Ucheibe, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and Jennifer Echegini provide flexibility, while captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Gift Monday, Rinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Ijamilusi are expected to spearhead the attack as Nigeria seek a sharper edge in front of goal.
Although the fixture holds no competitive stakes, the fierce rivalry between the two nations guarantees a spirited contest.
As preparations intensify, the Falcons will be focused on delivering a more clinical performance to rebuild momentum ahead of Africa’s premier women’s football tournament.