In a compelling display of talent and determination, the Super Falcons of Nigeria secured a decisive 4-1 victory over Algeria in the second of two international friendly matches held on Tuesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. The match saw Folashade Ijamilusi shine with a hat-trick, marking a significant return for the player who had been absent from the squad for some time. Coach Farid Benstiti’s strategies paid off, as the team exhibited a greater level of poise and confidence compared to their performance in the first encounter held in Ikenne-Remo just a few days prior. This improvement set the tone for an exciting and dynamic game, as both teams sought to test their strengths against one another.
The Super Falcons wasted no time in taking control of the game, with Ijamilusi opening the scoring in the 12th minute from a well-executed corner kick. Just nine minutes later, she added to her tally by capitalizing on a rebound from a shot by her teammate Blessing Ilivieda, which had hit the crossbar. Despite being down early, the Algerian team, known as the Green Ladies, demonstrated resilience and escalated their efforts to create scoring opportunities. Their persistent pressure nearly paid off in the 39th minute when they earned a penalty kick, but Lina Boussaha’s attempt went astray. Shortly after, Laura Muller’s powerful shot was brilliantly saved by Nigerian goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu, keeping Nigeria in the lead.
Algeria managed to find the back of the net just before halftime, with Ouassila Alouache sneaking past the Nigerian defense to secure their only goal of the match in the 43rd minute. This goal provided a glimmer of hope for the visitors, but the Super Falcons, determined to maintain their advantage, ramped up their offensive efforts. They solidified their two-goal lead when Gift Monday headed in the third goal just before the end of the first half, ending the period with a score of 3-1 in favor of Nigeria.
The second half, while entertaining, saw fewer scoring opportunities despite both teams continuing to exert pressure. Ijamilusi reaffirmed her outstanding performance by completing her hat-trick with a well-placed goal near the end of the half, bringing the score to 4-1. Her individual brilliance and strategic positioning throughout the match proved crucial in securing the win for the Super Falcons, further cementing her impact in her long-awaited return to the squad.
In summary, the match highlighted key improvements and tactical adjustments made by the Super Falcons, particularly under the guidance of Coach Benstiti. The team’s performance showcased a blend of skill, teamwork, and resilience, vital characteristics that will serve them well in future competitions. The clear dominance displayed in both matches against Algeria not only provided the Super Falcons with confidence but also set a positive tone as they prepare for upcoming challenges on the international stage.
The successful outing against Algeria reflects the Super Falcons’ ongoing development and their potential for growth as they continue to build on their strengths. Ijamilusi’s standout performance and the overall team cohesion demonstrated in the match point to a bright future for Nigerian women’s football. As the team looks ahead, they will undoubtedly aim to sustain this momentum and replicate their success in forthcoming fixtures, working towards becoming a formidable force in international women’s football.
