Nigeria’s Nigeria women’s national football team bounced back in style on Tuesday night, defeating the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon 3-1 in Yaounde to level their two-match friendly series.
Three days after suffering a slim loss at the Military Stadium, the nine-time African champions returned to the same venue with renewed intensity and purpose.
Cameroon once again drew first blood, netting in the seventh minute to briefly raise fears of a repeat outcome. However, Nigeria responded with composure and authority.
In the 32nd minute, Chinwendu Ihezuo restored parity, rising above the defence to head home a precise delivery from Rinsola Babajide. The equaliser steadied the Falcons and swung momentum in their favour.
Babajide then turned scorer just before halftime, capitalising on a scramble in the box to fire Nigeria into the lead and complete the comeback.
Head coach Justin Madugu, who made seven adjustments to the side beaten over the weekend, saw his revamped midfield press effectively, close down spaces, and force Cameroon onto the back foot.
The visitors maintained their sharpness after the interval. In the 64th minute, captain Rasheedat Ajibade surged down the right flank and delivered a dangerous cross, which Michelle Alozie met with a powerful diving header to seal a convincing 3-1 victory.
Both teams are using the friendlies as part of their build-up to the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, set to hold in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.