International friendly Nigeria 2 Algeria 0: Ajibade's brace seals win for Super Falcons

The Super Falcons hosted Algeria at the Remo Stars stadium in Ogun state, claiming a comfortable win courtesy of a brace from the team's captain Rasheedat Ajibade.

The nine-time African champions the first half on the front foot, dominating the game in the opening half. T
heir pressure eventually led to a corner in the early stages. Hapoel Jerusalem's Esther Onyenezide stepped up to take the corner, but couldn't find anyone in the box as it was easily claimed by the Algerian goalkeeper Salah Amel.

The Super Falcons came close to breaking the deadlock in the 12th minute, courtesy of Folashade Ijamilusi's long range effort from just outside the box which forced a brilliant save from the Salah Amel in goal for Algeria.

The breakthrough eventually came in the 24th minute when Atletico Madrid forward Rasheedat Ajibade, unleashed a sublime shot past the Algerian goalkeeper to give the Super Falcons the edge.

Twoenty minutes later, Onyenezide's long range effort on goal strayed wide of the margin as they Falcons continued to dominate the game.

Just before the close of the first half, Ajibade released a thunderbolt outside the penalty area which breezed past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net for Nigeria's second goal of the game.

The Falcons resumed their dominance in the second half, winning a corner in the 47th minute.

Onyenezide's delivery was well dealt with by the Algerian defense, and the rebound was then ballooned over the bar by Sikiratu Isah.

The Algerians got their first real chance of the game from a free kick which was lobbed into the Nigerian box, but was claimed by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie who received a blow to the stomach from the Algerian striker Boutaleb Inés in the process.

A third goal lurked for the Super Falcons in the 66th minute when Ajibade's well timed pass found Folashade Ijamilusi on the run, but the Algerian goalkeeper reacted quickly to claim the ball.

Algeria grew into the game midway through the second half and nearly pulled a goal back in the 75th minute, as striker Boutaleb Inés failed to convert a misjudged cross from close range which sailed narrowly wide, to the relief of the Falcons defense.

The Super Falcons nearly added a third at the stroke of full time, but goalkeeper Salah Amel was quick off her lines to avert the danger.

The win meant that interim coach Justin Madugu got off to a winning start in his first game as the team's caretaker.

The Super Falcons and the Fennecs will lock horns again at the same venue on Tuesday, the 29th of October.

Ejim Kaycee

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