Countdown to WAFCON: Super Falcons, Black Queens renew rivalry in Morocco friendly

Nigeria's Super Falcons and Ghana's Black Queens are set to reignite their long-standing rivalry in a friendly match on Saturday in Casablanca, Morocco. This encounter is a crucial part of their preparations for the upcoming 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The match, scheduled for 16:00 at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli, provides both West African football giants with a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their strategies before the 14th edition of the continental championship. Nigeria, the most successful women's national team in Africa with 10 WAFCON titles, has already begun its camp in Casablanca.

Under Head Coach Justine Madugu, the Super Falcons held their first training session on Tuesday. Among the early arrivals were captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Fatima Oloko, defenders Oluwatosin Demehin, Glory Ogbonna, Shukurat Oladipo and Rofiat Imuran, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, and forward Asisat Oshoala. Midfielder Toni Payne is expected to join after her recent move to Inter Milan Women.

This friendly revives a historic rivalry, recalling past memorable contests between the two neighboring nations. While the result is a warm-up fixture, both teams will be keen to build momentum and confidence. Following the match, Nigeria will focus on their Group C WAFCON opener against Malawi on July 28, followed by matches against Zambia and Egypt. The tournament also serves as qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

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The Super Falcons of Nigeria and Ghana’s Black Queens will renew one of African women’s football’s most enduring rivalries on Saturday when they clash in an international friendly in Casablanca, Morocco, as part of preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).