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Justine Madugu Frustrated as Friendly Match Rejections Disrupt Super Falcons’ WAFCON Preparations
Nigeria’s senior women’s national team head coach, Justin Madugu, has expressed concern over the team’s troubled preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), revealing that several countries have turned down requests for international friendlies against the African champions.
The Super Falcons have faced a difficult road leading up to the tournament in Morocco, with multiple planned fixtures falling through and mounting criticism from players and fans over the lack of adequate preparation matches.
So far in 2026, Nigeria have played only two games — both against Cameroon in March. The Falcons lost the first encounter 1-0 before bouncing back with a convincing 3-1 victory in the return fixture.
Efforts to organise more games have repeatedly failed. A planned four-nation competition involving Ghana, Senegal and Ivory Coast was cancelled, while a proposed double-header against Cape Verde in April was called off after the opposition withdrew unexpectedly.
Speaking on the situation, Madugu disclosed that the Nigeria Football Federation approached several countries for friendly matches, but many coaching staffs declined once they learned the opponent would be Nigeria.
“The fact is that most of the teams are not ready to play us,” Madugu said in an interview with Brila. “I am aware they have made a lot of efforts trying to reach out to many teams.
“The federation may agree, but once they approach their coaches, they say no because they don’t want to face the Super Falcons. I know approaches have been made to more than five countries.
“There may be other reasons behind it, but we are not happy about the situation.”
The lack of competitive matches has intensified concerns about Nigeria’s readiness for the 2026 WAFCON, scheduled to take place in Morocco from July 25 to August 16 after being moved from its original March date. The tournament will also determine Africa’s representatives for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senior players have already raised concerns over the team’s preparations. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie have both publicly questioned the planning surrounding the squad’s build-up to the competition.
Madugu admitted the shortage of matches has affected the team’s rhythm, tactical development and overall readiness ahead of a challenging campaign.
“We’re not happy about it because it’s not helping our preparations,” he explained. “But what can you do when nobody is willing to play against you?
“Some countries, especially the European teams, are more focused on playing other European sides because of their World Cup qualifying matches.”
Nigeria have been drawn in a demanding Group C alongside Zambia, Malawi and Egypt. Zambia will rely on star attackers Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, while Malawi boast the dangerous Chawinga sisters, Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga.
Madugu stressed that regular high-level games are essential if the Super Falcons are to successfully defend the continental crown they reclaimed in 2025 after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final.
“It’s affecting our preparations. We are not happy about it,” he added. “You need games to improve, and we will keep working.
“If some of these countries had already qualified for the World Cup and expected to face teams from different continents, perhaps they would be more open to playing us.
“But many European teams currently prefer to play fellow European opposition, especially the stronger sides.”
Nigeria’s Super Falcons remain Africa’s most successful women’s national team, having won a record 10 WAFCON titles.
