A brilliant hat-trick by Folashade Ijamilusi propelled the Super Falcons to a commanding 4-1 victory over Algeria’s Green Ladies in an international friendly at Lagos' Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
In the second match of the two-match friendly series, Nigeria overpowered the Algerians, with Edo Queens striker Ijamilusi and Gift Monday finding the net to secure the Falcons' second win, following their 2-0 triumph in Ikenne in the opening game.
Falcons coach Justin Madugu rotated the squad with five changes from the first match, notably resting first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
After a spell of dominance by Nigeria, Ijamilusi opened the scoring in the 12th minute, poking home after a scramble in the Algerian box.
Despite a series of missed chances, particularly by Gift Monday, the striker doubled Nigeria’s lead seven minutes later.
Algeria missed the chance to pull one back from the penalty spot in the 39th minute after a handball in the Nigeria box.
However, Alouache Ouassila managed to pull a goal back for the Green Ladies two minutes before halftime after Nigerian goalkeeper Unachukwu could only parry a shot into her path.
Folashade Ijamilusi the star of the show
Tenerife forward Gift Monday then redeemed herself by scoring just before the break, giving Nigeria a 3-1 lead going into the break.
The second half saw much of the same, with Algeria passing the ball well, though Nigeria created most of the chances.
Ijamilusi made the scoreline even more emphatic by netting Nigeria’s fourth goal—and her third of the match—in the 86th minute to seal a comprehensive win for the Super Falcons.
Nigeria Starting XI: Rachael Unachukwu, Shukurat Oladipo, Blessing Ilivieda, Tosin Demehin, Goodness Osigwe, Esther Onyenezide, Comfort Folorunsho, Gift Monday, Rasheedat Ajibade, Josephine Mathias, Folashade Ijamilusi
