Nigeria’s Super Falcons turned on the style in their final warm-up game before the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, cruising to a 3–1 win over arch-rivals Ghana on Sunday night in Casablanca.
The fixture, billed as a key test for both teams, saw two of Africa’s footballing giants go head-to-head under the floodlights in Morocco.
With the tournament kicking off next weekend, the intensity of the clash felt anything but friendly.
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Chiwendu Ihezuo opened the scoring for Nigeria.
Just before halftime, the Super Falcons doubled their lead through captain Asisat Oshoala, who calmly slotted home a penalty in the 44th minute to give her side a 2–0 cushion.
Rasheedat Ajibade added a third goal in the 51st minute, underlining Nigeria’s attacking superiority and capping off a convincing performance from Justin Madugu’s side.
Ghana managed a consolation goal in the 88th minute when Alice Kusi converted from the spot, but by then, the outcome had already been sealed.
The result followed Nigeria’s earlier goalless draw against Portugal and a victory over Cameroon, rounding off their pre-tournament schedule on a strong note.
Though labelled a “friendly,” the clash between Nigeria and Ghana was anything but casual. The encounter carried all the intensity one might expect from two sides with a long, emotionally charged history in African women’s football.
With nine WAFCON titles to their name, the Super Falcons are looking to assert their dominance once again, this time under new head coach Justin Madugu.
Sunday’s display showed clear signs of progress, as the team demonstrated cohesion, flair, and a clearer tactical structure.
The matchup with Ghana served as the final tune-up before their group stage opener against Tunisia on July 6, and it provided a much-needed test after weeks of intensive preparations.
For Ghana’s Black Queens, led by Swedish tactician Kim Lars Björkegren, the game was a chance to gauge their readiness.
Wins over Malawi and Benin had boosted morale, but Sunday’s loss offered a sobering reminder of the level required to compete at the top.
While the Ghanaians had moments of promise and battled with determination, Nigeria’s control in midfield and ruthless finishing proved decisive.
Despite the defeat, the match offered valuable lessons for a Ghanaian side still in search of their first WAFCON title.
