Nigeria’s Super Falcons could be left without competitive action during the current international window after Cape Verde withdrew from a planned series of friendly matches scheduled to take place in Ikenne next week.
The fixtures, which were intended to help both teams prepare for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), have now been thrown into doubt following reports that Cape Verde pulled out of the arrangement. The development has forced the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) into a late effort to secure an alternative opponent.
The Super Falcons had been due to begin their training camp this weekend in anticipation of the April 7–18 international break. However, the sudden cancellation of the matches has disrupted those plans and raised concerns about the team’s preparations for upcoming continental competitions.
Officials are now said to be working urgently behind the scenes to find a replacement team willing to play within the limited timeframe. With the international window already underway, arranging new fixtures at short notice presents a significant logistical challenge.
The friendlies were seen as an important opportunity for Nigeria to fine-tune tactics and assess players ahead of the next Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. For Cape Verde, the matches also offered valuable preparation against one of Africa’s most successful women’s teams.
This latest setback highlights an ongoing issue for the Super Falcons, who have in recent years struggled to secure consistent fixtures during international breaks. Despite their status as nine-time African champions, the team has frequently encountered difficulties in arranging matches, limiting opportunities for competitive play and squad development.
The lack of regular fixtures has been a recurring concern for observers of Nigerian women’s football, particularly as other nations increase their investment in the women’s game and expand their international schedules.
While the NFF has not officially confirmed the cancellation or announced a replacement opponent, the uncertainty leaves the Super Falcons facing the possibility of an inactive international window. Such an outcome would represent a missed opportunity to build momentum and cohesion within the squad.
Attention will now turn to whether the federation can resolve the situation in time. Securing even a single friendly match would provide some benefit, but time constraints and logistical hurdles may complicate those efforts.
For now, the Super Falcons’ immediate plans remain unclear, as preparations for future competitions hang in the balance following Cape Verde’s withdrawal.
