Captain Rasheedat Ajibade scored two first-half goals as Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated Algeria 2-0 at the Remo Stars stadium, Ikenne in an international friendly on Saturday, Afrosport reports.
Ajibade drew the first blood in the 24th minute with an exquisite finish which beat goalkeeper Amel Salah after receiving a decisive pass from defender Oluwatosin Demehin.
The Atletico Madrid forward then unleashed a long-range strike just before the half-time whistle after picking up the ball from FC Robo forward, Folashade Ijamilusi.
Ijamilusi who was a consistent thorn in the flesh of the Algerian defence also had her chances, but she was twice denied by goalkeeper Salah in the 66th and 90th minute.
Gladys Ikene had the best chance for the visiting Green Ladies, but the striker saw her 75th minute chip go wide with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie completely caught off guard.
Despite missing a couple of key players including reigning Women’s African Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala, defender Michelle Alozie and midfielders Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini, coach Austine Madugu still began his reign with a comfortable victory.
🏁 FULL TIME! in Ikenne 📍
Nigeria 🇳🇬 2-0 Algeria 🇩🇿
⚽⚽Rasheedat Ajibade 21′, 45+2′
What a solid display against the foreign based dominated Wafcon bound Algerian side. We go again on October 29, at Onikan Stadium #SoarSuperFalcons #NGAALG pic.twitter.com/RyfiLPtPLw
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) October 26, 2024
The Super Falcons and Algeria will face off again for the second leg of the friendly on Tuesday at Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
