The preparations of Nigeria for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations have gathered momentum after the Super Falcons camp reached near full capacity ahead of two friendly matches against Senegal.
The 10-time African champions are set to face Senegal’s Teranga Lionesses in a pair of warm-up fixtures at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne-Remo. The first meeting is scheduled for Friday, with the second taking place on Monday. Both matches will begin at 4 p.m. and form a key part of Nigeria’s build-up to the continental tournament in Morocco.
Head coach Justine Madugu has received a significant boost with almost all invited players now present in camp. As preparations entered a crucial phase, only forward Gift Monday was still expected to join the squad as of Wednesday evening.
However, Nigeria’s plans have also been affected by the absence of midfielder Halimat Ayinde, who has been ruled out of both fixtures. In response, the coaching staff moved quickly to strengthen the squad by calling up Israel-based midfielder Josephine Matthias as a replacement.
The upcoming friendlies are expected to provide an important assessment of the team’s readiness before the start of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which will be staged in Morocco from 25 July to 16 August.
Nigeria enters the tournament as one of the favourites and will be seeking to extend its record as the competition’s most successful nation by claiming an 11th continental crown. The Super Falcons have assembled a squad that blends proven international performers with a number of emerging talents, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate a broad range of options ahead of the championship.
Among the experienced players currently in camp are Asisat Oshoala, Francisca Ordega, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe. They are joined by a younger generation that includes goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor, defenders Shukurat Oladipo and Rofiat Imuran, midfielders Josephine Matthias and Kafayat Shittu, and forwards Joy Omewa, Omorinsola Babajide and Blessing Nkor.
The two matches against Senegal are expected to offer valuable competitive preparation for both nations before they travel to Morocco for the tournament.
Nigeria has been placed in Group C, where it will face Egypt, Zambia and tournament newcomers Malawi. Senegal, meanwhile, will compete in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Algeria and Kenya.
Beyond the continental title, there is additional significance attached to this year’s competition. The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will also act as Africa’s qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Under the qualification format, the four highest-placed teams at the tournament will automatically secure places at the World Cup. The nation that finishes fifth will earn a spot in an intercontinental playoff, providing another route to the global finals.
With their squad nearing full strength and two important friendlies on the horizon, Nigeria will be aiming to build momentum and sharpen preparations as they pursue another successful campaign on the African stage.
