Atletico Madrid forward Rasheedat Ajibade was the star of the show for Nigeria as the Super Falcons secured a 2-0 victory over visiting Algeria in Ikenne on Saturday afternoon, Soccernet.ng reports.
Ajibade netted both of Nigeria’s goals in the first half of the encounter as the Super Falcons continued their dominance over the visiting North Africans.
The Super Falcons boast a 100 per cent winning record against Algeria, with the former African champions winning each of their previous three meetings.
Despite the absence of key players such as Jennifer Echegini, Asisat Oshoala, and Toni Payne, Nigeria displayed a strong determination to maintain their supremacy.
Head coach Justin Madugu, in the Falcons’ first match following the departure of Randy Waldrum, opted for a lineup that combined experienced overseas-based stars with talented homegrown players.
The starting eleven featured only five foreign-based professionals: goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Tosin Demehin, youngster Esther Onyenezide, and forwards Gift Monday and Rasheedat Ajibade.
Ajibade made her impact felt early, opening the scoring for Nigeria in the 24th minute with a sublime run and finish.
🚨🇳🇬 GOAL! Ajibade opens the scoring for Nigeria against Algeria. 1-0. pic.twitter.com/6ndGlFWcFB
— Ghana Naija Ballers (@GHNaijaBallers) October 26, 2024
She then doubled the Super Falcons’ lead deep into first-half stoppage time with a long-range strike, sending the home crowd at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne into raptures.
🚨🇳🇬 GOAL! Ajibade scores again. 2-0
Nigeria 2-0 Algeria pic.twitter.com/ZSi50sJPUI
— Ghana Naija Ballers (@GHNaijaBallers) October 26, 2024
Although Nigeria couldn’t extend their advantage in the second half, they secured a comfortable 2-0 victory.
The victory ended Nigeria’s run of three winless games after losing to Spain, Brazil, and Japan at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Algeria will face off again for the second leg of the friendly on Tuesday, October 29, at Onikan Stadium in Lagos.
These matches are part of the team’s preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.