WAFCON preparations heat up as Falcons face Cameroon again

The Nigeria women’s national football team will try to bounce back today (Tuesday) when they play the Cameroon women’s national football team at the Military Stadium in Yaoundé.

Nigeria lost the first friendly match 1-0 on Saturday after Yvana Mbomezomo scored a late goal. Goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor, who was making her debut for Nigeria, played well despite conceding in added time.

In the second half of the first game, substitutes Joy Omewa, Precious Christopher, Folashade Ijamilusi, Esther Onyenezide and Michelle Alozie tried hard to score an equaliser, but Cameroon’s goalkeeper, Ange Bawou, made important saves to keep her team ahead.

Coach Justin Madugu is expected to make some changes to the team and tactics for today’s match. Nigeria will be eager to improve, especially as both teams are preparing for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Top goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie could return to the starting lineup, while Michelle Alozie may also start.

In defence, Oluwatosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale and Glory Ogbonna are available. Midfield options include Onyenezide, Christopher, Ucheibe, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and Jennifer Echegini.

In attack, captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Gift Monday, Rinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Ijamilusi are ready to lead Nigeria’s push for victory.

Cameroon, who will face Ghana, Mali and Cape Verde in Group D at the Women’s AFCON, gained confidence from Saturday’s win. However, Nigeria will aim to finish the two-match series strongly and show their strength in today’s game.