Oshoala Calls For Release Of Abducted Pupils, Teachers As Super Falcons Beat Senegal 2–1 In Ikenne Friendly
Oshoala Calls For Release Of Abducted Pupils, Teachers As Super Falcons Beat Senegal 2–1 In Ikenne Friendly
Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala combined football with advocacy on Friday, calling for the safe return of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State after helping Nigeria secure a 2-1 victory over Senegal in an international friendly in Ikenne-Remo.
The experienced forward opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute as the Super Falcons continued their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Moments after converting the penalty, Oshoala used her goal celebration to draw attention to the plight of the abducted victims, displaying messages that read “Save the Teachers” and “Bring Back Our Children.”
Her gesture quickly resonated with fans and observers, many of whom praised the former Barcelona Femeni star for using a major sporting platform to spotlight a national concern.
On the pitch, Nigeria produced a composed performance against Senegal’s Teranga Lionesses, dominating large spells of the encounter.
The Super Falcons maintained control after Oshoala’s opener and doubled their lead in the 43rd minute through Toni Payne, who finished off a well-worked attacking move. Like Oshoala, Payne was making her first appearance for the national team since the WAFCON 2024 final.
Nigeria continued to dictate proceedings for most of the contest, limiting Senegal’s attacking threat while creating opportunities of their own.
The visitors, however, set up a nervy finish when they pulled a goal back in the 86th minute, but Justine Madugu’s side remained composed and held on for victory.
The encounter marked the first-ever senior women’s international meeting between Nigeria and Senegal and served as part of both teams’ preparations for the forthcoming WAFCON tournament in Morocco.
The two sides will face each other again in a second friendly match at the same venue on June 8 as they continue fine-tuning their preparations for the continental showpiece, where the Super Falcons will be aiming to reclaim their African title.
