The Super Falcons of Nigeria will step up preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a high-profile friendly against Ghana’s Black Queens on Saturday.
Gatekeepers News reports that the West African rivals will meet at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco, with kick-off scheduled for 4 p.m.
The encounter forms part of Nigeria’s final build-up to the continental tournament, where the Super Falcons will be aiming to successfully defend the WAFCON title they won in 2025.
Head coach Justine Madugu last Friday unveiled a 25-player squad for the competition, with defender Ashleigh Plumptre the only notable absentee due to injury.
The squad includes several experienced stars such as Asisat Oshoala, captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo, Michelle Alozie and Osinachi Ohale.
As preparations gathered pace, 10 players had reported to the team’s training camp in Casablanca by Tuesday afternoon. Those already in camp are Chiamaka Nnadozie, Fatima Oloko, Oluwatosin Demehin, Glory Ogbonna, Christy Ucheibe, Shukurat Oladipo, Rofiat Imuran, Jennifer Echegini, Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade.
Nigeria, 10-time African champions, will begin the defence of their title in Group C against Malawi in Rabat on July 28. The Falcons will then face Zambia on August 1 before rounding off the group stage against Egypt on August 5.
The 2026 WAFCON also serves as a qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification, while the fifth-placed team will advance to an intercontinental playoff tournament scheduled for early next year.
