Folashade Ijamilusi’s hat-trick led Nigeria’s Super Falcons to a dominant 4-1 victory over Algeria’s Green Ladies in their second international friendly at Lagos’ Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Tuesday.
The Falcons came out with greater confidence than they showed in their 2-0 win in Ikenne-Remo last Saturday. Algeria put up a stronger front this time, testing the Nigerian defense on several occasions.
Ijamilusi opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 12th minute with a precise strike off a corner. She struck again just nine minutes later, capitalizing on a rebound after Blessing Ilivieda’s shot hit the crossbar.
The Green Ladies pushed back, even earning a penalty in the 39th minute, but Lina Boussaha’s miss kept the Falcons’ clean sheet intact. Moments later, Algeria came close again with a powerful shot from Laura Muller, but goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu made a crucial save. However, Ouassila Alouache broke through Nigeria’s defense in the 43rd minute, finding the net to close the first half with a 3-1 scoreline.
Gift Monday extended Nigeria’s lead in added time of the first half, heading in a precise cross to restore the Falcons’ two-goal cushion.
An exciting second half saw both sides press forward, but it was Ijamilusi who had the final word, completing her hat-trick late in the game to seal a decisive 4-1 victory for the Super Falcons.