Former coach of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, Bala Nkiyu, has praised the Super Falcons for their 2-0 victory over the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, describing the performance as a positive sign ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Speaking with Sports247 in the aftermath of Tuesday’s friendly encounter in Abeokuta, Nkiyu acknowledged that while some observers expressed concern over aspects of the team’s performance, the competitiveness of the match itself was a welcome development.
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He stressed that the evolving approach of rival African teams toward games against Nigeria is beneficial in the long run, as it forces the Super Falcons to raise their performance levels.
According to Nkiyu, gone are the days when continental fixtures were easily one-sided affairs in Nigeria’s favor.
“Cameroon didn’t come to play for pride—they came to challenge Nigeria, and that’s the kind of game the Falcons need more of,” Nkiyu said. “It’s in matches like these that you truly test your team’s tactical maturity, mental strength, and readiness for bigger competitions.”
The former Flamingos coach highlighted how the increasing intensity of African women’s football reflects the narrowing gap between nations, which will only sharpen Nigeria’s preparation ahead of WAFCON in Morocco. He pointed out that strong opposition helps expose areas needing tactical and technical refinement, something every elite team must welcome.
Addressing the criticism surrounding the match, Nkiyu urged fans and analysts to consider the broader development strategy rather than focusing solely on perfection. He emphasized that results must be balanced with performance insights and long-term team growth.
With games against top-tier opponents and experienced voices backing their progress, the Super Falcons appear to be on a well-calibrated path as they fine-tune their squad for another shot at continental glory
