WAFCON: Nigeria targets win in final friendly against Cameroon
Reigning African champions Nigeria are eager to redeem themselves after conceding a late goal to Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses on Saturday in the first of two friendly matches in the Cameroonian capital, Yaoundé.
Both teams will clash again on Tuesday at the Military Stadium in Yaoundé to conclude a two-match arrangement organised by the two countries’ football federations to prepare for this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals.
The Lionesses, who are drawn in Group D alongside Ghana, Mali and Cape Verde at this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, scored in added time of the second half at the same venue on Saturday evening, in what many consider a timely reality check for the 10-time continental champions.
Yvana Mbomezomo’s shot from outside the box in added time beat debutant goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor for the only goal of the match. However, Erhabor displayed composure and confidence in her first appearance for Nigeria and can take pride in her performance.
Second-half substitutes Joy Omewa, Precious Christopher, Folashade Ijamilusi, Esther Onyenezide and Michelle Alozie attempted to mount pressure on the Lionesses, but goalkeeper Ange Bawou was in fine form and proved a solid barrier against the Super Falcons.
On Tuesday, Coach Justin Madugu is expected to adjust his tactics and possibly make changes to his starting line-up as the Falcons — who defeated the Lionesses 1–0 in front of their home fans in the final of the 2016 Women’s AFCON — aim to secure victory this time.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, regarded as one of Africa’s best in recent years, may feature, while Alozie could start alongside Oluwatosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale and Glory Ogbonna in defence. Onyenezide, Christopher, Ucheibe, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and Jennifer Echegini remain available for selection in midfield.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Gift Monday, Rinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Ijamilusi provide attacking options for Madugu.
