Super Falcons' Friendly Match Against Ghana Cancelled

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have faced a surprise setback in their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Their much-anticipated pre-tournament friendly against Ghana’s Black Queens has been cancelled.

The match, known as the “Jollof Derby,” was set for Saturday, 18 July, at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca. It was meant to give head coach Justine Madugu a key final test before the continental tournament.

But on Friday evening, the Super Falcons confirmed that the friendly would not happen.

In a statement on the team’s official X account, the Nigeria Football Federation said the match was called off due to unforeseen circumstances.

“The friendly match between the Super Falcons and the Black Queens planned for Saturday, 18 July 2026, in Casablanca is off due to unforeseen circumstances.”

The cancellation takes away a great chance for both West African teams to prepare before the tournament starts.

This match was also important because it would have revived a fierce rivalry in African women’s football. It would have been the first meeting between the two teams leading up to a WAFCON since Nigeria beat Ghana in the final of the first tournament, which Nigeria hosted and won in 1998.

Despite this setback, the Super Falcons have continued their preparations in Morocco. They opened their training camp in Casablanca on Monday.

Head coach Justine Madugu oversaw the team’s first training session at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli on Tuesday. The squad is ramping up their preparations for the big tournament.

Among the players in camp are captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Fatima Oloko, defenders Oluwatosin Demehin, Glory Ogbonna, Shukurat Oladipo, and Rofiat Imuran. Midfielder Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini are also present, along with six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala.

Nigeria heads into the tournament as the defending champions and the most successful women’s national team in Africa. They reclaimed the title in 2025 and are now aiming for a record 11th WAFCON crown in Morocco.

Drawn in Group C, Madugu’s team will kick off their title defense against Malawi on 28 July. After that, they will face Zambia and Egypt, with all group-stage matches taking place in Rabat.

Meanwhile, excitement for Nigeria’s opening match has grown thanks to a light-hearted chat between Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala and Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga. This happened during a pre-tournament panel featuring stars like Ghana’s Cynthia Konlan and Egypt’s Nadine Ghazi.

During the event, Oshoala jokingly reminded Tabitha and her sister, Temwa Chawinga, about Nigeria’s strong presence in African women’s football.

“Calm, sister, relax. You and Temwa need to calm down,” Oshoala laughed.

Chawinga responded playfully, asking the defending champions to go easy on them when they meet.

“Super Falcons need to calm down. Do not give us 5-0, please. One-nil is enough.”

This funny exchange quickly spread on social media, with fans enjoying the friendly respect between two of Africa’s top players.

But once the tournament kicks off, the friendship will take a backseat. The Chawinga sisters will lead Malawi’s Scorchers in an attempt to upset the reigning champions.

The 14th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations runs from 19 July to 8 August. This tournament is especially important.

The four teams that reach the semi-finals will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The fifth-placed team will have a chance to compete in an intercontinental play-off for another shot at the global event.