Nigeria’s Super Falcons claimed an impressive 4-1 victory over Algeria on Tuesday afternoon, led by Edo Queens star Folashade Ijamilusi, who delivered a remarkable hat-trick. Gift Monday added to the tally at Lagos’ Mobolaji Johnson Arena, sealing a dominant performance.
Following their 2-0 win in the first leg of this international friendly series, the Super Falcons confirmed their superiority over the Fennecs in Lagos.
The scoring began just nine minutes in when Ijamilusi pounced on a rebound after Gift Monday’s header, set up by Blessing Ilivieda’s corner. She doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 17th minute, reacting quickly to a deflected shot from Blessing Osigwe after a pinpoint pass from Atletico Madrid’s Rasheedat Ajibade.
Algeria managed to pull one back just before halftime. Substitute Wassila Alouache, brought on in the 39th minute, scored in the 44th after a loose save by Nigerian goalkeeper Udoka Unachukwu. Alouache’s goal was historic, marking her as the first Algerian to score against Nigeria since their first matchup in 2006.
Nigeria responded swiftly to regain control before the break, with Gift Monday powering in a header from an Onyenezide corner, beating Algerian goalkeeper Salah Amel.
While the Super Falcons generated numerous chances in the second half, it wasn’t until the 86th minute that Ijamilusi completed her hat-trick, slotting home from close range after Shukurat Oladipo’s cross slipped through Amel’s hands.
This result secured a 6-1 aggregate victory over Algeria across the two legs, further cementing Nigeria’s status as one of the top contenders for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next year.
