By Emmanuel Okogba

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have almost completed preparations for their upcoming international friendly matches against Senegal, with the team’s camp in Ikenne-Remo now at near-full strength. The visiting Senegalese side, the Lionesses of Teranga, also arrived in Ikenne on Tuesday night ahead of the two-match series.

The first fixture will take place on Friday at the Remo Stars Sports Complex, while the return leg is scheduled for Monday at the same venue. Both matches are set to kick off at 4:00 p.m.

Head Coach Justine Madugu has been boosted by the arrival of nearly all invited players, with only forward Gift Monday expected to join the squad by Wednesday evening. However, midfielder Halimat Ayinde has been ruled out of both games, prompting the invitation of Israel-based midfielder Josephine Matthias as her replacement.

The Super Falcons’ camp combines experienced stars with emerging talents as preparations intensify for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Senior players including Asisat Oshoala, Francisca Ordega, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Christy Ucheibe are training alongside promising youngsters such as Comfort Erhabor, Shukurat Oladipo, Rofiat Imuran, Josephine Matthias, Kafayat Shittu, Joy Omewa, Omorinsola Babajide, and Blessing Nkor.

Nigeria will head to Morocco aiming to secure a record-extending 11th WAFCON title. The nine-time African champions have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia, and tournament debutants Malawi. Senegal, meanwhile, will compete in Group A with hosts Morocco, Algeria, and Kenya.

Scheduled to run from July 25 to August 16 in Morocco, the tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The top four teams will qualify automatically, while the fifth-placed side will earn a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.

Super Falcons Squad for Senegal Friendlies

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Comfort Erhabor, Anderline Mgbechi.

Defenders: Shukurat Oladipo, Rofiat Imuran, Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Sikiratu Isah, Blessing Ilivieda, Christy Ucheibe.

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade, Josephine Matthias, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, Toni Payne, Jennifer Echegini, Kafayat Shittu.

Forwards: Asisat Oshoala, Gift Monday, Joy Omewa, Francisca Ordega, Folashade Ijamilusi, Omorinsola Babajide, Blessing Nkor.