A first-half brace from captain Rasheedat Ajibade secured Nigeria’s Tremendous Falcons a 2-0 win over the Inexperienced Women of Algeria in a world pleasant on the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, on Saturday, PUNCH Sports activities Further reviews.
Ajibade opened the scoring within the twenty fourth minute, latching onto a long-range go from midfield and expertly lobbing the Algerian goalkeeper, who had rushed out of her space.
The 24-year-old ahead doubled the lead simply earlier than halftime, with a surprising volley from outdoors the field throughout two minutes of added time.
The win marked a stable begin for Justin Madugu’s facet, who’re within the means of rebuilding after a disappointing Olympic marketing campaign. Regardless of a number of scoring alternatives within the second half, the Falcons had been unable to increase their lead, however they managed the match and restricted the Algerian facet’s possibilities.
The pleasant was the primary of two video games scheduled between the 2 groups, with the second leg set to happen on the Mobolaji Johnson Area, Onikan, Lagos, on Tuesday, October 29.
It additionally marked Nigeria’s return to Grade A friendlies on dwelling soil, their first for the reason that 2021 Aisha Buhari Ladies’s Match.
Interim coach Madugu, who took over following Randy Waldrum’s resignation in September, fielded a mixture of home-based skills and foreign-based execs. Ajibade led the assault, joined by Reward Monday, whereas Chiamaka Nnadozie began in purpose. Tosin Demehin and Esther Onyenezide additionally performed key roles within the Falcons’ stable efficiency.
Talking forward of the match, Madugu emphasised the significance of the friendlies in rebuilding the crew’s confidence.
“We respect the Algerians, however we have to bounce again strongly from our below-par outing on the Olympics and restore our crew’s confidence and optimistic spirit,” he mentioned.
Ajibade’s two targets introduced her tally to 6 in 20 appearances for the nationwide crew, additional solidifying her place as one of many Tremendous Falcons’ most dependable scorers.
Each groups will now flip their consideration to the upcoming conflict in Lagos, the place the Falcons will purpose to safe one other win and proceed their resurgence underneath Madugu’s steering.
