Nigeria’s Super Falcons began their preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on a winning note on Friday, defeating Senegal’s Teranga Lionesses 2-1 in an international friendly at Ikenne-Remo.

The reigning African champions produced a composed and disciplined display, taking control of the contest early and maintaining their grip for much of the encounter before withstanding a late Senegalese fightback.

The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when Nigeria were awarded a penalty after sustained pressure on the visitors’ defence. Veteran striker Asisat Oshoala calmly stepped up to convert from the spot, marking her return to the national team with a goal in her first appearance since the WAFCON 2024 final.

The Super Falcons continued to dominate possession and dictate the tempo, moving the ball with confidence and creating openings against the Senegalese backline. Their superiority was rewarded again in the 43rd minute when Toni Payne finished off a well-crafted attacking move to double Nigeria’s advantage.

Like Oshoala, Payne was making her first appearance for the Super Falcons since the last WAFCON final, and her goal underlined the experience and quality available to head coach Justine Madugu as he prepares his squad for the continental showpiece in Morocco.

Nigeria remained largely in control throughout the second half, limiting Senegal’s attacking opportunities while looking capable of extending their lead. However, the visitors found a lifeline in the 86th minute when they pulled a goal back to set up a tense finish.

The Teranga Lionesses pressed for an equaliser in the closing minutes, but the Super Falcons managed the game effectively to secure victory in what was the first-ever meeting between the two nations at senior women’s level.

The fixture forms part of both teams’ preparations for the forthcoming WAFCON, where Nigeria will be aiming to successfully defend their continental crown and extend their record as Africa’s most successful women’s football nation.

Both sides will renew their rivalry on June 8 in a second friendly match at the same venue in Ikenne-Remo as they continue their build-up to the tournament.

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Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has named a strong 23-player squad for Nigeria’s upcoming international friendly matches against Senegal, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and veteran striker Asisat Oshoala leading the roster.

The friendlies, scheduled for June 5 and June 8 at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne-Remo, form part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

Madugu has blended experience with emerging talent, recalling seasoned midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and forwards Francisca Ordega and Gift Monday to the squad.

The coach has also handed opportunities to Belarus-based defender Blessing Nkor and Turkey-based midfielder Kafayat Shittu, who will be aiming to make a strong impression and cement their places in the national team setup.

Also included are home-based goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, England-based defender Rofiat Imuran, Israel-based defender Sikiratu Isah, Tosin Demehin, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde and Toni Payne, as well as forwards Folashade Ijamilusi and Joy Omewa.

Madugu further rewarded Christy Ucheibe, Shukurat Oladipo and Rinsola Babajide, all of whom enjoyed successful domestic campaigns and recently celebrated league title triumphs with their respective clubs.

The two matches against Senegal are expected to provide valuable preparation for both teams ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held from July 25 to August 16 in Morocco.

Senegal have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Algeria and Kenya, while Nigeria, Africa’s most successful women’s national team with 10 continental titles, will compete in Group C against Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi.

Beyond continental glory, the stakes at the tournament will be particularly high as WAFCON will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification for the global showpiece, while the fifth-placed team will advance to an intercontinental playoff tournament for another chance to reach Brazil.

With a blend of established stars and promising newcomers, the Super Falcons will be hoping to use the Senegal friendlies to sharpen their preparations as they seek to reclaim continental dominance and secure a place at the next Women’s World Cup.

SUPER FALCONS FOR FRIENDLY MATCHES VS CAMEROON:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)

Defenders: Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England); Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal);  

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Halimatu Ayinde (BK Hacken, Sweden); Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Ottawa Rapids, Canada); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Kafayat Shittu (Giressunsanayispor, Turkey)

Forwards: Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia); Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA); Joy Omewa (Nottingham Forest, England); Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy); Blessing Nkor (Dynamo Brest, Belarus)

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African women’s national teams are stepping up preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, with a packed April FIFA international window offering a crucial opportunity to assess strengths and refine tactics.

With the continental tournament just months away, teams across Africa are engaging in a mix of regional friendlies and intercontinental fixtures as part of the FIFA Series, aiming to build momentum and test combinations.

Clearly stated ambitions

From 10 April, Botswana will get proceedings underway against Saudi Arabia.

The following day, Tunisia face Benin in a fixture that should offer the Carthage Eagles an opportunity to explore new attacking options against an opponent known for their defensive discipline.

A day later, Morocco host Tanzania in one of the standout fixtures of the window. The Atlas Lionesses, who have enjoyed an impressive run in recent years, face a Tanzanian side eager to continue its upward trajectory.

On 14 April, attention turns to a series of high-profile encounters. South Africa meet Algeria in a clash of contrasting styles, with Banyana Banyana’s intensity and pace set against Algeria’s structured and technical approach.

Elsewhere, Egypt take on Saudi Arabia in a match that offers both sides a chance to strengthen their credentials on the international stage, while Benin face Comoros in what promises to be an open and competitive contest.

Adjustments and confirmations expected

The fixtures continue on 16 April, when Tunisia meet Comoros in another test of their readiness against an improving opponent.

On 17 April, South Africa and Algeria renew their rivalry in a second encounter, providing both teams with an opportunity to adapt tactically. Morocco also face Ghana in a high-profile meeting between two of the continent’s most competitive sides.

The series concludes on 19 April with a second meeting between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, offering further insights into both teams’ progress

FIFA Series: a global revealer

Beyond African match-ups, the FIFA Series 2026 has expanded the scope of preparations by pitting African teams against global opposition.

Ivory Coast set the tone with an emphatic 8-0 victory over Mauritania on 9 April, underlining their attacking strength.

On 11 April, Kenya host a mini-tournament in Nairobi featuring Australia, Malawi and India, while Zambia face a stern test against Canada in Brazil.

The following day sees DR Congo take on Indonesia in Thailand, while Mauritania face Pakistan and Ivory Coast meet Turks and Caicos in Abidjan.

Zambia continue their demanding schedule with matches against Brazil on 15 April and South Korea on 18 April, providing valuable experience against top-tier opposition.

A crucial testing ground

The April window represents a key phase in preparations, allowing coaches to experiment, assess squad depth and fine-tune strategies ahead of WAFCON 2026.

With competitive fixtures across continents, African teams are gaining vital exposure and experience — all with the aim of peaking when the continent’s biggest women’s football tournament begins later this year.

Friendly matches in April 2026:

April 10
Saudi Arabia 1–1 Botswana
Scorers: Seba Tawfiq (90+7) / Laone Moloi (28’)

April 12
Tunisia 1-0 Benin
Scorer : M. Houij (90′)

April 13
Senegal 1-0 Burkina Faso
Scorer : S. Ngaye Pene (2′)

Morocco 3-0 Tanzania
Scorers :  S.Mssoudy (2′, 77′), Y.Mrabet (80′)

April 14
South Africa vs Algeria
Saudi Arabia vs Egypt
Benin vs Comoros

April 16
Tunisia vs Comoros

April 17
South Africa vs Algeria
Morocco vs Mali

April 19
Saudi Arabia vs Egypt

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FIFA Series 2026:

April 9, 2026
Ivory Coast 8-0 Mauritania – Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Ebimpe

April 11, 2026
Australia 5-0 Malawi – Nairobi
Scorers :  E. van Egmond (5″), S. Kerr (41″), A. Chidiac (60″), H. McNamara (86″), L. McKenna (90+4)

Kenya 2-0 India – Nairobi
Scorers: M. Emedot (2′) T. Obunya (55′)

Canada 4-0 Zambia – Brazil
Scorers :N. Prince (41′, 45+1), A. Chukwu (81′, 88′)

April 12, 2026
Indonesia 1-7 DR Congo – Thailand
Scorers: C. Scheunemann (7′) / M. Kajinga (23′, 59′), F. Mawete (29′, 74′), M. Kasaj (45+6) O. Massombo (52′), J. Feza (82′)

Mauritania 1-0 Pakistan – Abidjan
Scorer : R. Gengui (21′)

Turks and Caicos 1-15 Ivory Coast – Abidjan
Scorers :  I. Moline (28′)/ A.Diallo (6′ 10′ 23′ 42′),P. Kreto (12′ 22′ 27′ 47′ 52′), R. Kouassi (32′), S.Kokora (45′), A. Koko (45+1), I. Konan (78′ 83′), A. Abrogoua (90+3)

April 15, 2026

Brazil vs Zambia – Brazil

India vs Malawi – Kenya (Third-place match – FIFA Series 2026 Kenya)

Kenya vs Australia – Kenya (Final – FIFA Series 2026 Kenya)

Thailand vs DR Congo –Thailand (Final – FIFA Series 2026 Thailand), 

April 16, 2026
Ivory Coast vs Pakistan – Abidjan
Turks and Caicos vs Mauritania – Abidjan

April 18, 2026
South Korea vs Zambia – Brazil

-Cafonline

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