Nigeria’s Super Falcons will continue their build-up to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with an international friendly against Ghana’s Black Queens on Saturday in Casablanca, Morocco.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the continental tournament will be held from July 19 to August 8, with the Super Falcons aiming to regain the title they have won a record 10 times.
The Nigerian team opened camp in Casablanca on Monday in preparation for their Group C opener against Malawi, scheduled for July 20 in Rabat.
By Tuesday afternoon, 10 players had reported to the Marriott Hotel camp, while midfielder Toni Payne was expected to link up with the squad on Wednesday.
Head coach Justine Madugu supervised the team’s first training session on Tuesday at Stade El Arbi Zaouli, where the early arrivals began preparations for the competition.
Those already in camp include captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Fatima Oloko, defenders Oluwatosin Demehin, Glory Ogbonna, Shukurat Oladipo and Rofiat Imuran, midfielders Jennifer Echegini and Christy Ucheibe, as well as forward Asisat Oshoala.
Saturday’s friendly against Ghana, who finished runners-up to Nigeria at the maiden edition of the competition hosted by Nigeria in 1998, will kick off at 4 p.m. at Stade El Arbi Zaouli.
Following the warm-up fixture, the Super Falcons will launch their WAFCON campaign against Malawi before facing Zambia and Egypt in the remaining Group C matches.
The tournament’s four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the fifth-placed side will earn a place in the intercontinental playoffs for another chance to qualify.
The group draw is as follows:
Group A: Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya.
Group B: South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Tanzania.
Group C: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi.
Group D: Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde.
