WAFCON warm-up: Super Falcons camp swells as Senegal arrives

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) received a major boost on Tuesday as the Super Falcons camp reached full strength ahead of their double-header friendly against Senegal’s Teranga Lionesses in Ikenne-Remo.

The 10-time African champions will host Senegal in the first of two preparatory matches on Friday before the Lionesses assume hosting duties in the reverse fixture on Monday. Both encounters will be played at the Remo Stars Sports Complex and will kick off at 4 p.m.

Head Coach Justine Madugu now has almost all invited players in camp, with only forward Gift Monday still being expected as of Wednesday evening. However, midfielder Halimat Ayinde has been ruled out of both matches, prompting the invitation of Israel-based midfielder Josephine Matthias as a replacement.

The Super Falcons squad combines a wealth of international experience with emerging talents as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the continental showpiece in Morocco.

Experienced stars including Asisat Oshoala, Francisca Ordega, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe are training alongside a new generation of players such as goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor, defenders Shukurat Oladipo and Rofiat Imuran, midfielders Josephine Matthias and Kafayat Shittu, and forwards Joy Omewa, Omorinsola Babajide and Blessing Nkor.Nigeria will head to Morocco seeking a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.

The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi.Senegal, meanwhile, will compete in Group A with hosts Morocco, Algeria and Kenya.

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will take place from July 25 to August 16 in Morocco and will also serve as the African qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Africa’s four best-performing teams at the tournament will secure automatic qualification for the World Cup, while the fifth-placed side will advance to an intercontinental playoff for a chance to reach the global finals.