Nigeria’s Super Falcons have landed in Lisbon ahead of their pre‑WAFCON friendly against Portugal, as part of a crucial warm‑up for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. A core group of 10 players and support staff arrived on Sunday night, including keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Christy Ucheibe and forward Francisca Ordega. Rinsola Babajide, the former Atletico Madrid striker, also joined the group in Lisbon.
They will contest their first friendly on Monday at Estádio José Gomes in Amadora, with kick‑off scheduled for 7 pm WAT. During their week‑long camp, they will play two matches against Portugal one FIFA‑sanctioned encounter and a closed fixture as coach Justine Madugu tests squad combinations ahead of their clash with Ghana in Morocco.
This European sojourn follows intensive domestic build‑up, including a 2–0 friendly victory over Cameroon, and precedes a final camp in Morocco before the Super Falcons open WAFCON it with Tunisia on July 5 in Casablanca.
Editorial
We welcome this trip to Portugal as a decisive step in Nigeria’s quest for their 10th WAFCON crown. The journey transitions from Abuja’s training grounds to European competition, signalling ambition and strategic planning.
We believe the double‑header against Portugal is prudent. It allows Madugu to fine‑tune tactics, blend experience with emerging talents and instil resilience against technically proficient teams. The FIFA‑sanctioned match, in particular, provides a firm gauge of readiness.
We feel the squad’s mix anchored by veterans like Nnadozie and Ordega, and complemented by youthful energy from players such as Ucheibe is balanced. That balance must be tested in high‑pressure environments to unlock cohesion and tactical identity.
We also see merit in this layered build‑up: domestic friendlies, Lisbon camp, then Moroccan camp. Each phase builds on the last, enabling recovery, adjustment and sharper focus. It’s thoughtful progression, not rushed window‑dressing.
We stand by the notion that aspirations demand preparation. If the Falcons can convert this structured pathway into sharp performances and unity, they will not just compete they will contend.
Did You Know?
- The friendly in Lisbon is one of two matches arranged against Portugal including a closed‑door game to deepen tactical assessment before camp moves to Morocco.
- The 10‑player contingent includes three goalkeepers, underscoring coach Madugu’s emphasis on strengthening the last line of defence.
- The Super Falcons recently defeated Cameroon 2–0 in Abeokuta, with Rasheedat Ajibade scoring both goals in the friendly.
- Nigeria’s WAFCON opener against Tunisia is scheduled for 5 July at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
- The final warm‑up match against Ghana’s Black Queens will take place in Morocco on 25 June, adding a fierce regional dimension ahead of the main tournament.
