Nigeria and Nottingham Forest striker Joy Omewa (red) Copyright: xManjitxNarotrax IMAGO
Nottingham Forest forward Joy Omewa has described scoring her first goals for Nigeria as a dream come true after inspiring the Super Falcons to a convincing 3-0 victory over Senegal in an international friendly at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Soccernet.ng reports.
The match, played on Monday, June 8, was Nigeria’s final preparation game ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. It also completed a successful double-header against Senegal after the Super Falcons had won the first meeting 2-1.
Head coach Justine Madugu made five changes to his starting lineup, handing Omewa a place in attack alongside several senior stars, including goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Nigeria controlled possession from the opening whistle and created several chances, with Omewa, who joined Forest in January, coming closest when her effort crashed against the woodwork. Despite the hosts' dominance, Senegal’s disciplined defence kept the score level at 0-0 at halftime.
Nigeria and Nottingham Forest star Joy Omewa. Photo by IMAGO
Nottingham Forest star Omewa delivers as Super Falcons build WAFCON momentum
Nigeria finally found the breakthrough four minutes after the restart. Shukurat Oladipo produced an inviting cross into the penalty area and Omewa rose highest to power home a header in the 49th minute, scoring her first senior international goal.
The Nottingham Forest striker struck again seven minutes later. Showing strength and composure, she stole the ball from a Senegalese defender before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0 and register her first brace for the Super Falcons.
Nigeria completed the scoring in the 66th minute when captain Rasheedat Ajibade burst forward and squared the ball for substitute Asisat Oshoala, who had replaced Omewa moments earlier, to finish from close range.
Super Falcons striker Joy Omewa (19) celebrates scoring for Nottingham Forest. Copyright: xMIxNewsxIMAGO
The result secured a 5-1 aggregate win across the two friendlies and provided a major confidence boost ahead of WAFCON, where Nigeria will face Egypt, Malawi and Zambia in Group C.
Omewa later celebrated the milestone on social media.
“Super happy with the win today, an amazing performance from the girls in front of our home fans in Ikenne,” she wrote on X.
“Grateful to score my first two goals for Nigeria. A dream come true for me and my family. Big thanks to my coaches, teammates, and everyone supporting me.”
Super happy with the win today, an amazing performance from the girls in front of our home fans in Ikenne 🇳🇬
Grateful to score my first two goals for Nigeria. A dream come true for me and my family.
The brace took Omewa’s tally to two goals in three appearances for Nigeria and further strengthened her case for a place in Madugu’s final squad for the tournament in Morocco. Since joining Nottingham Forest from Fortuna Hjørring in January, the striker has impressed with her goalscoring form and has quickly emerged as one of the Super Falcons’ most in-form attacking options heading into the continental championship.
Reigning champions Nigeria will look to claim a record-extending 11th WAFCON crown when the tournament kicks off in Morocco next month.
Imhonlamhen is a football writer and editor at Soccernet.ng with over six years’ experience shaping its editorial voice. A lifelong Arsenal and Super Eagles fan, he combines engineering precision with training in journalism and digital media. He has covered four AFCONs and two Women’s AFCON tournaments, specialising in Super Eagles history and tracking Nigerian players worldwide, while keeping a close eye on the NPFL and emerging homegrown talents.
