Nigeria’s Super Falcons will take on the Black Queens of Ghana in a highly anticipated international friendly today (Sunday) in Casablanca, Morocco, as both teams fine-tune preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which kicks off July 5.
The encounter marks the final test for both West African giants before the start of the tournament, and it promises to be a high-stakes showdown between two of Africa’s fiercest women’s football rivals.
The Falcons, nine-time African champions, are aiming for a record-extending 10th title. They arrived in Casablanca on Wednesday with 22 players, joining Asisat Oshoala and China-based Folasade Ijamilusi, who had linked up with the squad earlier. Nigeria’s 24-player team will complete their final training phase before Sunday’s friendly.
Head coach Justin Madugu described the clash as a key part of the team’s build-up and an opportunity to evaluate their tactical shape and readiness.
“I am not under pressure,” Madugu said. “We know our mission — we are going for the trophy. This match is part of our final preparations, and we are staying focused. For me and the rest of the technical team, it is about proving that Nigerian coaches can deliver on the big stage.”
Madugu added that success with the Falcons could open doors for more indigenous coaches to handle top jobs at the national level.
Nigeria held Portugal to a goalless draw in Lisbon on Monday, showing improved defensive stability and adaptability — positives Madugu believes will serve the team well in Morocco.
Meanwhile, Ghana approach the game as their toughest test yet. Under new head coach Kim Lars Björkegren, the Black Queens have impressed in their warm-up matches, defeating Malawi 3–1 and Benin 4–2.
“Nigeria is a different challenge — probably the best team in Africa,” said Björkegren. “But it’s the kind of test we need right now. We’ve shown we can score goals and hold a strong defence. Facing Nigeria will tell us how far we’ve come.”
Ghana, two-time WAFCON runners-up, are still chasing their first title and see the friendly as a benchmark ahead of the main tournament.
The showdown in Casablanca is expected to offer a preview of the intensity and quality fans can expect when WAFCON 2024 gets underway in Morocco next week.
