Nigeria Super Falcons' Ghana friendly cancelled ahead of 2026 WAFCON

Nigeria's women's national team, the Super Falcons, announced that their pre‑tournament friendly against Ghana’s Black Queens in Casablanca on 18 July 2026 was called off due to "unforeseen circumstances," without further explanation. The cancellation removes a key final test for Nigeria, the defending champions aiming for an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title. The team, coached by Justine Madugu, remains in Morocco, having opened a training camp at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli with players such as captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Nigeria is drawn in Group C with Malawi, Zambia and Egypt, with their opening match scheduled for 28 July in Rabat.

Other African nations are also finalising preparations. South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, coached by Desiree Ellis, released a 26‑player squad for the tournament in Morocco. Kenya’s Harambee Starlets are training in France before heading to the host nation, while Tanzania’s Twiga Stars are in a residential camp in Manyara, Tanzania, ahead of their group‑stage matches. Zambia’s Copper Queens are gearing up after a recent NWSL victory, and Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga publicly urged the Super Falcons to keep the score modest in their upcoming clash.

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, postponed by CAF and now set for 25 July–16 August in Morocco, also serves as the African qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi‑finalists earning automatic spots.