Nigeria’s Super Falcons are ramping up preparations for next month’s 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, with a high-profile friendly match against Portugal scheduled for Monday in Lisbon.
The encounter is part of the final leg of preparations as the nine-time African champions aim to secure a 10th continental title.
The team departed Abuja on Sunday morning aboard a Royal Air Maroc flight to Casablanca, and from there proceeded to Lisbon, Portugal’s capital. The journey followed a week of activity that included appearances at the Portuguese and Moroccan embassies in Abuja for visa processing—part of the logistics buildup to the tournament.
Before departure, the team held intensive training sessions at the MKO Abiola National Stadium and the Turf Arena over three days. These sessions were overseen by Head Coach Justine Madugu and his assistants, who worked closely with several core players of the squad, including goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Tochukwu Oluehi, veteran defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Christy Ucheibe, and forward Francisca Ordega.
The coaching staff will be further bolstered by the arrival of overseas-based players at the camp in Lisbon. US-based Michelle Alozie, Saudi Arabia-based Ashleigh Plumptre, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade are all expected to join. Midfielders Halimatu Ayinde, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne, and attackers Esther Okoronkwo, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo are also scheduled to link up with the squad ahead of Monday’s game.
The friendly match will be held at the Estádio José Gomes in the Amadora district of Lisbon. Kick-off is set for 7pm local time, which corresponds to 7pm in Nigeria. The contest will serve as a vital test for the Super Falcons, who are looking to sharpen tactics and cohesion ahead of their WAFCON opener.
Also lined up is another preparatory match against Ghana’s Black Queens, slated for Sunday, June 29 in Morocco—just days before the continental competition kicks off. Both friendlies are designed to simulate the intensity of WAFCON matches and help fine-tune the squad’s readiness.
In the WAFCON group stage, Nigeria will face Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria in Group B, with all matches to be played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. With their sights set firmly on a historic 10th title, the Super Falcons are building momentum toward what they hope will be another triumphant outing on African soil.
What you should know
The Super Falcons will face Portugal in a friendly on Monday, June 24, 2025, in Lisbon, as part of final preparations for the Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The team is targeting a record-extending 10th continental title and has also lined up a warm-up match against Ghana before the tournament begins.
