Nine-time African champions, the Super Falcons, were in a devastating mood despite missing several key players, including Asisat Oshoala, Michelle Alozie, Christy Ucheibe, and Ifeoma Onumonu.
The hosts didn’t take too much time to settle down, with Uchenna Kanu netting the curtain-raiser just after seven minutes.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie produced a stunning save to keep Cape Verde from equalising in the 17th minute.
Tenerife forward Gift Monday doubled Nigeria’s lead from a goalmouth scramble five minutes before the half-hour mark.
Kanu made it 3-0 for Nigeria, her second of the game, late in the first half, after she was teed up by a Toni Payne’s cross.
The Super Falcons maintained their dominance after the break, scoring two more goals through substitute Esther Okoronwko.
Okoronwko scored the fourth goal in the 66th minute with a sublime finish off Esther Akudo Ogbonna’s cross.
Defender Rofiat Imuran then set the forward up for her second of the game, 13 minutes from time.
The reverse fixture will take place next week on Tuesday in Praia.
