Cameroon’s women’s national team captain, Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné, has offered an explanation for their 2-0 defeat to Nigeria during a recent international friendly in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The experienced forward noted that the match was approached cautiously due to concerns over player injuries and the challenging weather conditions.
“It was just a friendly match, and we didn’t want to risk injuries in a game like this,” Onguéné said. “We have to think about more important competitions where our presence is crucial. Also, the heavy rain affected our performance. If it had been a more competitive or significant match, we wouldn’t have allowed Nigeria to beat us.”
The Super Falcons sealed the win with two goals from captain Rasheedat Ajibade, capitalising on a soaked pitch and disorganised Cameroonian play. Onguéné’s remarks highlighted a strategic decision to prioritise player fitness ahead of upcoming key tournaments, including the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
While the result may have disappointed some Cameroonian supporters, the captain’s measured response emphasised long-term planning over short-term results, with the team’s eyes firmly set on bigger competitive objectives.
Editorial
We think Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné’s explanation for Cameroon’s defeat strikes a pragmatic, if slightly contentious, chord. It reflects a common dilemma in international football balancing immediate match outcomes against future ambitions. Yet, when national pride is at stake, even friendly matches are viewed through a magnifying lens.
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Her comments, though honest, may not sit well with every supporter. Facing Nigeria, a major continental rival, and treating the game with caution suggests a concession of intensity that could demoralise fans and teammates alike. Still, we must appreciate the strategic foresight in her thinking. Injuries in friendlies can derail preparation for tournaments that truly matter.
The adverse weather, undeniably a factor, exposed the difficulties of adapting to local conditions something elite teams should arguably be prepared for. But weather is a leveller, and Nigeria adapted better. That’s not just about rain it’s about resilience.
In the end, we believe that leadership sometimes requires unpopular honesty. Onguéné offered a glimpse into a calculated approach save energy, avoid injury, and play the long game. If Cameroon delivers in WAFCON, this friendly will be forgotten. If not, the questions about mindset will grow louder.
Did You Know?
- Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné has represented Cameroon in four Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals and two FIFA Women’s World Cups.
- Rasheedat Ajibade, who scored twice in the match, is also the current top scorer for Atlético Madrid Femenino.
- Abeokuta, where the match was held, is one of Nigeria’s oldest cities and was founded in the early 19th century.
- Cameroon’s women’s team is nicknamed the “Indomitable Lionesses”, mirroring the men’s team title “Indomitable Lions”.
- Friendly matches are often used by national teams to test new tactics and players, even if it means sacrificing short-term performance.
