Super Falcons face Tanzania in key WAFCON tune-up after Ghana friendly collapse

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will step up their title defence preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) when they face Tanzania in an international friendly on Thursday in Casablanca.

The match, seen as a crucial final test for the nine-time African champions, will be played at the La Noria Sports Complex and is scheduled to kick off at 18:00 local time.

Head coach Justine Madugu is expected to use the fixture to fine-tune his tactics and finalise selection decisions before the team moves to their tournament base in Morocco’s capital.

Last-minute change after Ghana cancellation

The game against Tanzania comes days after Nigeria’s planned friendly against Ghana’s Black Queens was cancelled.

The West African heavyweights had been due to meet last Saturday in a high-profile warm-up, but the encounter was called off due to what were described as unforeseen circumstances.

The cancellation left a gap in Nigeria’s build-up schedule, making the Tanzania fixture all the more significant for Madugu and his technical crew as they seek competitive minutes and momentum ahead of WAFCON.

Final audition for Madugu’s squad

Thursday’s contest in Casablanca will serve as Madugu’s last real opportunity to gauge his players’ sharpness, fitness and tactical cohesion before the start of the continental showpiece.

The Super Falcons are expected to field a strong line-up as the coaching staff assess combinations across the pitch and give fringe players a final chance to impress.

Madugu’s side will depart for Rabat over the weekend, where they will be based for the group stage of the tournament.

Title defence begins in Rabat

Nigeria, the dominant force in African women’s football, will open the defence of their WAFCON crown next Tuesday in Rabat.

The Super Falcons will kick off their Group C campaign against the Scorchers of Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium in the Moroccan capital.

The Nigerians have been drawn in a competitive section and will also face the Copper Queens of Zambia and Egypt in their remaining group matches.

Nine-time champions target more glory

As nine-time African champions, Nigeria will arrive in Morocco under intense scrutiny and high expectations from supporters at home and across the continent.

The Super Falcons have long set the standard in African women’s football, and the build-up to the 2026 edition has been framed around whether they can once again assert their dominance against improving rivals.

Madugu’s preparations, including the hastily arranged Tanzania friendly following the collapse of the Ghana fixture, are aimed at ensuring the team are fully ready when their title defence begins in Rabat.