Nigeria’s reigning African champions step up preparations in Morocco with a friendly against Ghana ahead of their WAFCON title defence

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will continue their build-up to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a high-profile international friendly against Ghana’s Black Queens on Saturday, as head coach Justine Madugu fine-tunes his squad ahead of the defence of the continental title.

Also read: Super Falcons Open WAFCON 2026 Camp in Casablanca

The Super Falcons Ghana friendly will take place at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, where the 10-time African champions have established their training camp before the tournament kicks off in Morocco next Sunday.

Nigeria opened camp in Morocco’s commercial capital on Monday and wasted little time settling into preparations, holding their first training session on Tuesday under Madugu’s supervision.

The session marked the beginning of the team’s final phase of preparations before competitive action begins.

As of Tuesday afternoon, 10 players had reported to the squad’s Marriott Hotel base in Casablanca.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Fatima Oloko, defenders Oluwatosin Demehin, Glory Ogbonna, Shukurat Oladipo and Rofiat Imuran, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, alongside forward Asisat Oshoala, were all present in camp.

Midfielder Toni Payne, who recently completed a move from Everton Women to Inter Milan Women, is expected to join the squad on Wednesday, further strengthening Madugu’s options ahead of the tournament.

Saturday’s meeting with Ghana carries added historical significance.

The Black Queens were the runners-up in the inaugural edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, losing to Nigeria in the 1998 final hosted by the Super Falcons, who have since established themselves as the continent’s most successful women’s national team with 10 titles.

Kick-off for the encounter is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Stade Larbi Zaouli, with the fixture expected to provide both teams with a valuable test before the tournament begins.

Nigeria enter this year’s competition as defending champions after producing a memorable comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the previous final, securing a record-extending 10th continental crown.

The friendly also offers Madugu an important opportunity to assess team chemistry, tactical balance and player fitness before the Super Falcons begin their Group C campaign.

Nigeria will open their title defence against Malawi in Rabat on Tuesday, July 28, before facing Zambia on Saturday, August 1. The group stage concludes with a meeting against Egypt on Wednesday, August 5.

With expectations once again high, the Super Falcons Ghana friendly represents more than a routine warm-up.

Also read: Super Falcons to Begin Camp for WAFCON Title Defence

It provides the reigning champions with a final competitive rehearsal as they pursue an unprecedented 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title and seek to reinforce their status as the dominant force in African women’s football.