Defending champions Nigeria will continue preparations for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a high-profile international friendly against Ghana’s Black Queens in Casablanca on Saturday.
Key Highlights
- Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face Ghana’s Black Queens in an international friendly in Casablanca on Saturday as part of preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
- The friendly serves as the defending champions’ final warm-up match before the tournament begins in Morocco.
- Head Coach Justine Madugu commenced training in Casablanca after the team opened camp on Monday.
- Ten players had arrived in camp by Tuesday, while midfielder Toni Payne was expected to join after completing her move from Everton Women to Inter Milan Women.
- Key players in camp include Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Jennifer Echegini and Asisat Oshoala.
The encounter forms part of the Super Falcons’ final build-up to the continental tournament, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, as the nine-time African champions intensify preparations for their opening Group C fixture against Malawi on July 28 in Rabat.
The Nigerian team opened camp in Casablanca on Monday, with Head Coach Justine Madugu overseeing the early stages of training.
By Tuesday afternoon, 10 players had already joined the squad, while midfielder Toni Payne was expected to arrive on Wednesday, after completing her move from Everton Women to Inter Milan Women.
Among those already in camp are captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Fatima Oloko, defenders Oluwatosin Demehin, Glory Ogbonna, Christy Ucheibe, Shukurat Oladipo and Rofiat Imuran, midfielder Jennifer Echegini, and veteran forward Asisat Oshoala.
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The Super Falcons held their first training session on Tuesday, at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli, the same venue that will host Saturday’s friendly against Ghana.
Saturday’s clash will renew one of African women’s football’s oldest rivalries. Ghana’s Black Queens were runners-up to Nigeria in the inaugural Women’s AFCON tournament hosted by Nigeria in 1998.
Following the warm-up match, Nigeria will begin its title defence against Malawi before taking on Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5 in what promises to be a competitive Group C campaign.
The 2026 Women’s AFCON also doubles as a qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically, while the fifth-placed team will advance to an intercontinental playoff for another opportunity to reach the global showpiece.
Tournament Groups
Group A (Rabat): Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya
Group B (Casablanca): South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
Group C (Rabat): Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D (Casablanca): Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde
The Super Falcons will be aiming to extend their dominance on the continent by securing another continental title and booking an early place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
