Super Falcons Camp Complete as Senegal Arrive for WAFCON Warm-Up Double Header

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) received a major boost as the Super Falcons camp reached full strength ahead of their international friendly matches against Senegal.

The reigning African champions will face the Lionesses of Teranga in a two-match series at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne-Remo. The first game will be played on Friday, with Senegal hosting the return fixture on Monday as part of the two-legged arrangement. Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m.

Senegal’s delegation arrived in Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday night, while Nigeria’s camp has also swelled with the arrival of almost all invited players. Head Coach Justine Madugu was only awaiting the arrival of forward Gift Monday by Wednesday evening.

The Super Falcons suffered one setback with midfielder Halimat Ayinde ruled out of the friendlies. In response, Madugu handed a call-up to Israel-based midfielder Josephine Matthias.

Nigeria’s squad blends established stars with emerging talents as preparations intensify for the continental showpiece in Morocco. Experienced internationals such as Asisat Oshoala, Francisca Ordega, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Christy Ucheibe will provide leadership for younger players, including Comfort Erhabor, Shukurat Oladipo, Rofiat Imuran, Josephine Matthias, Kafayat Shittu, Joy Omewa, Omorinsola Babajide, and Blessing Nkor.

The Super Falcons will head to Morocco aiming to secure a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title. Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia, and tournament debutants Malawi.

Senegal, meanwhile, will compete in Group A, where they will face hosts Morocco, Algeria, and Kenya.

Scheduled to run from July 25 to August 16, the tournament also serves as Africa’s qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically, while the fifth-placed team will earn a place in an intercontinental playoff tournament.

Nigeria Squad for the Friendly Matches Against Senegal

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Comfort Erhabor, Anderline Mgbechi.

Defenders: Shukurat Oladipo, Rofiat Imuran, Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Sikiratu Isah, Blessing Ilivieda, Christy Ucheibe.

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade, Josephine Matthias, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, Toni Payne, Jennifer Echegini, Kafayat Shittu.

Forwards: Asisat Oshoala, Gift Monday, Joy Omewa, Francisca Ordega, Folashade Ijamilusi, Omorinsola Babajide, and Blessing Nkor.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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