Falcons Gear Up for Friendlies Against Senegal

The Super Falcons, who are the current champions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, started serious training on Wednesday in Ikenne. This followed the arrival of more players ahead of their friendly matches against Senegal, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.

The camp officially opened on Monday. But players arrived at different times, which delayed full preparations until Wednesday when most of the squad had reported.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Jennifer Echegini, and returning defender Rofiat Imuran joined on Wednesday. This brought the total number of players in camp to 21.

Asisat Oshoala, who is a six-time African Player of the Year, and Serie A Women’s Best Defender Shukurat Oladipo were among the first to arrive on Monday. Eight more players joined the camp on Tuesday.

The players who came on Tuesday included Nottingham Forest Women striker Joy Omewa, Galatasaray defender Tosin Demehin, midfielder Toni Payne, Blessing Ilivieda, China-based Folashade Ijamilusi, goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, experienced midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, and Roma striker Omorinsola Babajide.

On Wednesday, they were joined by Christy Ucheibe, Glory Ogbonna, Blessing Nkor, Francisca Ordega, Comfort Erhabor, Sikiratu Isah, and Monday Gift, who plays for Washington Spirit.

The Lionesses of Teranga, Senegal's team, also arrived in Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday night.

The Super Falcons, who have won the title 10 times, will host Senegal in the first match on Friday. The second match, where Senegal will be the home team, will take place on Monday. Both matches will kick off at 4 p.m. at the Remo Stars Sports Complex.

These friendly matches are part of the preparation for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The tournament is set to run from July 25 to August 16.

Nigeria is aiming for its 11th title and will face Egypt, Zambia, and new team Malawi in Group C. Senegal has been placed in Group A with hosts Morocco, Algeria, and Kenya.

This year’s WAFCON tournament will also help teams qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals next year. The top four teams will qualify directly to Brazil, while the fifth-place team will enter an intercontinental playoff for a chance to qualify for the finals.