Falcons Step Up Training for Friendlies Against Senegal

The Super Falcons, who are the current Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions, kicked off serious training on Wednesday in Ikenne. This followed the arrival of more players for their upcoming friendlies against Senegal.

The camp opened on Monday, but not all players arrived at once. This delayed full training until Wednesday, when most of the team was finally in camp.

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

Some of the first players to arrive on Monday included six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, Serie A Women’s Best Defender Shukurat Oladipo, and Kafayat Shittu, who plays in Turkey. On Tuesday, eight more players joined the camp.

The players who came on Tuesday included Joy Omewa from Nottingham Forest Women, defender Tosin Demehin from Galatasaray, midfielder Toni Payne, Blessing Ilivieda, Folashade Ijamilusi from China, 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.

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

The Falcons, who have won the Africa Cup of Nations 10 times, will play the first match against the Lionesses on Friday. The second match will see Senegal as the home team on Monday. Both matches start at 4 p.m. at the Remo Stars Sports Complex.

These friendly matches are important prep for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. This tournament runs from July 25 to August 16.

Nigeria aims for an 11th title and will compete in Group C with Egypt, Zambia, and Malawi, who are making their debut. Senegal is in Group A with Morocco, Algeria, and Kenya.

This year’s WAFCON will also be a qualifying event for the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil next year. The top four teams will qualify directly, while the fifth-placed team will enter a playoff to get a chance at qualifying.