It was a memorable evening in Abeokuta on Tuesday as the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, and his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, joined a jubilant crowd at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex to watch Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeat Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses 2–0 in a high-spirited international friendly match.
The occasion not only celebrated football but also showcased Ogun State’s growing support for women in sports, with the newly refurbished pitch adding flair to the thrilling display of skill and teamwork on the field.
Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, in a Facebook post shortly after the match, shared her excitement about the evening’s atmosphere and the quality of play:
“What an exciting evening at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena! 🏟️⚽️ I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Super Falcons of Nigeria go head-to-head with the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in a friendly match as Nigeria prepares for the African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Morocco. With the energy, pace and skill with which the girls played, it was such a joy to watch. And of course, we were all thrilled to see the Falcons win 2–0! 🇳🇬🦅”
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade was the star of the night, scoring both goals in the first half — the first from the penalty spot in the 28th minute, and the second in the 43rd minute, assisted by Rinsola Babajide.
While fans cheered the dominant performance, Coach Justin Madugu remained focused on the bigger picture, praising the players while calling for continued preparation ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in July.
“I appreciate the players for the performance. It is still work in progress to our preparation. We would have appreciated the opportunity of playing more friendly matches. We have to make do with what we have and get the girls prepared. We must not make excuses. We must make Nigerians happy,” Madugu stated during the post-match press conference.
The deputy governor also commended the stadium upgrades and crowd energy, which added to the electric feel of the evening:
“Our newly refurbished pitch looked fantastic and really added to the atmosphere. The crowd was lively, the football was top notch, and it was just one of those evenings that reminds you why sports matter.”
Governor Abiodun later congratulated both teams and reaffirmed Ogun State’s dedication to fostering women’s participation and excellence in sports. His presence at the match underscored the state’s commitment to promoting inclusive sporting events and creating more opportunities for female athletes.
The match, part of Nigeria’s build-up to the 2025 WAFCON in Morocco, also marked the Super Falcons’ 15th win over Cameroon in 21 meetings — a testament to their enduring dominance on the continent.
As the team looks ahead to group stage matches against Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria in Casablanca this July, Tuesday’s match served as a strong reminder of their potential — and of the growing support they enjoy at home, from the stadium stands to the government halls.
AFRICA FOCUS13 hours ago