Nigeria’s preparations receive a timely boost as key players arrive ahead of the tournament in Morocco.
Preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) have gathered pace as 19 invited players have now reported to the Super Falcons’ training camp in Casablanca, Morocco.
Head coach Justine Madugu is overseeing Nigeria’s build-up to the continental tournament, with the Super Falcons aiming to successfully defend their title and claim a record-extending 11th WAFCON championship.
Training activities intensified over the weekend, with 15 players participating in a full training session at the La Noria Club under the supervision of Madugu and his technical crew.
The camp also received a further boost following the arrival of Halimatu Ayinde and Joy Omewa, who both play for Swedish champions BK Häcken. The duo linked up with the rest of the squad at the team’s base, the Hotel Marriott in Casablanca.
Nigeria is still expecting additional arrivals, including experienced defender Osinachi Ohale and forward Chinwendu Ihezuo, who are both on the books of Mexican club Pachuca Tuzas.
Several senior members of the squad are already in camp, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, defenders Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran, Shukurat Oladipo, as well as midfielder Christy Ucheibe and other invited players.
The Morocco training camp will provide the Super Falcons with valuable preparation as they fine-tune tactics and improve match fitness before relocating to Rabat for their group-stage fixtures.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group C, where they will face Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt.
The Super Falcons will open their campaign against Malawi on July 28, before taking on Zambia on August 1. Their final group match will be against Egypt on August 5.
In addition to chasing another continental title, Nigeria will also be targeting qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the tournament serving as Africa’s qualifying competition for the global showpiece in Brazil.