Super Falcons Face Ghana in Final WAFCON 2026 Warm-up Clash

The Nigeria Super Falcons will continue their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a high-profile international friendly against rivals Ghana’s Black Queens on Saturday, 18 July 2026.

The match will kick off at 4:00 p.m. at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco, serving as the reigning African champions’ final tune-up before the tournament gets underway.

Falcons Begin Final Preparations

The Super Falcons opened their training camp in Casablanca earlier this week as Head Coach Justine Madugu began fine-tuning his squad ahead of the continental championship.

Nigeria, record 10-time WAFCON champions, are aiming to defend their title and secure another successful campaign in Morocco.

By Tuesday afternoon, several key players had already arrived at the team’s base at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, star striker Asisat Oshoala, first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, midfielder Jennifer Echegini, defenders Oluwatosin Demehin, Glory Ogbonna, Shukurat Oladipo, Rofiat Imuran, Christy Ucheibe, goalkeeper Fatima Oloko, while midfielder Toni Payne was expected to join the squad shortly after completing her move to Inter Milan Women.

The team also held its first training session at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli as preparations intensified.

Renewing a Historic Rivalry

Although officially a friendly, matches between Nigeria and Ghana rarely lack intensity.

The rivalry dates back decades, including the inaugural Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 1998, when the Super Falcons defeated the Black Queens in the final to lift the first-ever continental title.

Saturday’s encounter offers both teams an opportunity to assess tactics, build chemistry, and make final adjustments before the competition begins.

Nigeria’s WAFCON 2026 Group Stage Fixtures

The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi.

Their group fixtures are:

• 28 July: Nigeria vs Malawi

• 1 August: Nigeria vs Zambia

• 5 August: Nigeria vs Egypt

The tournament will run from 26 July to 16 August 2026 across Morocco.

Road to the FIFA Women’s World Cup

Beyond continental glory, there is even more at stake.

The four semi-finalists at WAFCON 2026 will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the fifth-placed nation will advance to the intercontinental qualification playoffs.

With qualification and another African title on the line, every minute of preparation counts, making the friendly against Ghana an important test for Coach Madugu’s side.

Match Details

Fixture: Nigeria vs Ghana (Black Queens)
Competition: International Friendly (WAFCON 2026 Warm-up)
Date: Saturday, 18 July 2026
Kick-off: 4:00 p.m. (Morocco time / Nigeria time)
Venue: Stade El Arbi Zaouli, Casablanca, Morocco

Nigerian fans will be eager to see how the Super Falcons shape up ahead of another quest for continental dominance as they begin the journey toward defending their African crown and securing a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.