Nigeria Players Abroad
Super Falcons bolstered by Ijamilusi arrival as WAFCON title defence nears
Nigeria’s Super Falcons received a major boost to their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence on Tuesday with the arrival of in‐form forward Folashade Ijamilusi at their training camp in Casablanca.
The 23‐time African champions are stepping up preparations for the 2026 tournament, with their squad at the team’s Hotel Marriott base in Casablanca now up to 23 players.
Ijamilusi, who plays her club football in China with Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, flew into Casablanca on Tuesday afternoon to link up with head coach Justine Madugu’s squad.
The former Nigeria youth international played a pivotal role in the Super Falcons’ last WAFCON triumph, finding the net twice in the competition – including a crucial equaliser in Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win over hosts Morocco in the final.
Travel disruption for Abiodun and Monday
Nigeria’s preparations have, however, been hit by travel disruption for two key players.
Midfielder Deborah Abiodun and forward Gift Monday were due to arrive from the United States but saw their journey halted when their scheduled flight was cancelled because of technical problems.
Both players had already reached the airport when they were informed that the plane would not be taking off.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has since arranged alternative flights for the pair, who are now expected to join up with the rest of the squad “as soon as possible”.
Their late arrival means Madugu will have less time to work with a full complement of players before the champions begin the defence of their continental crown.
Intensive camp in Casablanca
The Super Falcons have been holding an intensive training camp at the La Noria Club in Casablanca, focusing on fitness, tactical organisation and team cohesion ahead of the tournament.
The camp in Morocco’s largest city is a staging point before the nine‐time African champions move to Rabat, the country’s administrative capital, where they will play all their Group C fixtures.
Team officials say the squad has been blending experienced campaigners with emerging talents, with competition for starting places expected to be fierce as Nigeria chase yet another continental title.
Group C test: Malawi, Zambia and Egypt
Nigeria will open their WAFCON 2026 campaign against Malawi next Tuesday in Rabat.
The Super Falcons will then face Zambia and Egypt in their remaining Group C matches, in what is expected to be a competitive pool.
Nigeria, long regarded as the dominant force in African women’s football, are aiming not only to retain their title but also to send a strong signal ahead of future global tournaments.
Coaching staff are understood to be placing particular emphasis on sharpness in attack and defensive discipline, mindful of the increased competition from emerging African sides in recent years.
CAF briefing ahead of kick-off
Before their opening match, the Super Falcons will attend the official team arrival meeting with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee on Saturday, 25 July.
At that briefing, CAF officials are expected to outline tournament regulations, logistical details and matchday protocols to team representatives.
With Ijamilusi now in camp and Abiodun and Monday on their way, Nigeria’s focus is firmly on fine‐tuning their preparations as they bid to extend their record as Africa’s most successful women’s national team.