The Super Falcons continued their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-1 victory over Senegal on Friday evening, but it was Asisat Oshoala’s powerful message on Nigeria’s growing insecurity concerns that resonated long after the final whistle.
Nigeria’s women’s national team produced an encouraging display at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, where goals from Oshoala and Toni Payne secured victory over the Teranga Lionesses in the first of two scheduled friendly matches between both countries.
Super Falcons of Nigeria
Yet beyond the football, Oshoala used one of the biggest moments of the game to draw attention to a crisis that has gripped many Nigerians in recent weeks.
The former African Women’s Player of the Year opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 31st minute after Nigeria were awarded a spot kick for handball inside the Senegalese penalty area.
After calmly converting, Oshoala sprinted towards the corner flag and held up a wristband bearing the message: “Save the teachers. Bring back our children.”
The gesture was a direct reference to the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage across the country.
Asisat Oshoala scored and delivered a powerful message on insecurity as the Super Falcons defeated Senegal 2-1 in Ikenne, using her platform to highlight the plight of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
Armed attackers reportedly stormed three schools in the area in May, kidnapping dozens of children and teachers. The incident triggered protests and renewed concerns over the safety of schools, particularly in rural communities.
With some of the victims reportedly still unaccounted for, Oshoala’s celebration served as a reminder that the issue remains unresolved despite fading from daily headlines.
On the pitch, Nigeria largely controlled proceedings against a Senegalese side preparing for its own continental assignments.
The breakthrough arrived shortly after the half-hour mark when Oshoala confidently dispatched her penalty to give the hosts a deserved lead.
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The Super Falcons doubled their advantage 10 minutes later through Toni Payne. Shukurat Oladipo produced an excellent pass to split the Senegal defense, and Payne applied a composed finish to make it 2-0 before halftime.
Justin Madugu’s side continued to dominate after the restart and created several opportunities to extend their lead, but wasteful finishing prevented the scoreline from becoming more emphatic.
Senegal eventually found a lifeline in the 86th minute when Sokhna Nogaye unleashed a long-range effort that beat the Nigerian goalkeeper and reduced the deficit.
The visitors pushed forward in search of an equalizer during the closing stages, but the Super Falcons held firm to preserve their advantage and secure victory.
While the result offered positive signs ahead of next year’s WAFCON, Oshoala’s post-goal statement ensured the conversation extended beyond football.
Nigeria and Senegal will meet again in the second friendly of the double header at the Remo Stars Stadium on Monday as the Super Falcons continue their build up towards the continental showpiece.
