Nigeria’s Super Falcons rounded off their preparations for the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania’s Twiga Stars in a closed-door international friendly in Casablanca, Morocco, on Thursday.
The encounter served as the team’s final tune-up before the continental tournament, which will be staged from July 26 to August 16 across Casablanca, Fez and Rabat.
The nine-time African champions made a bright start and took the lead in the 15th minute through captain Rasheedat Ajibade.
The forward calmly finished off a well-worked move after being set up by Rinsola Babajide, giving Nigeria a deserved advantage heading into the halftime break.
Head coach Justin Madugu made several changes after the restart as he continued to evaluate his squad ahead of the championship.
Folashade Ijamilusi, Uche Kanu, Michelle Alozie, Joy Omewa, Esther Okoronkwo, Osinachi Ohale and Halimatu Ayinde were all introduced, while experienced stars Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne were rested.
Tanzania, however, fought back and found the equaliser in the 79th minute to set up a tense finish.
Nigeria responded positively, with substitute Esther Okoronkwo emerging as the match winner. The forward struck in the 89th minute to restore the Super Falcons’ lead and secure a morale-boosting victory.
The result gives Madugu’s side confidence heading into the 2026 WAFCON, where Nigeria will aim to reclaim the continental title.
The Super Falcons will begin their Group C campaign against Malawi on July 28 before taking on Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5 as they pursue another successful outing on the African stage.
