Falcons to battle Ghana in pre-WAFCON friendly

Nigeria's Super Falcons are stepping up their preparations for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) by facing rivals Ghana in an international friendly. The match is scheduled for Saturday in Casablanca, Morocco, where the reigning African champions are currently holding their training camp.

The Falcons, who have won the WAFCON a record 10 times, opened their camp on Monday. As of Tuesday lunchtime, 10 players had arrived at their hotel in Casablanca. Midfielder Toni Payne, recently signed by Inter Milan Women, is expected to join the squad on Wednesday. Head coach Justine Madugu led the team in their first training session on Tuesday at Stade Larbi Zaouli.

The friendly against Ghana's Black Queens will also take place at Stade Larbi Zaouli, with a 4 p.m. kick-off. This match serves as a crucial warm-up before Nigeria's opening Group C match against Malawi on July 28 in Rabat. The Falcons will then face Zambia on August 1, followed by Egypt on August 5 to conclude their group stage campaign.

Several key players are already present at the team's Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, including 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. The friendly against Ghana, who lost to Nigeria in the final of the inaugural WAFCON in 1998, provides a valuable test for the Super Falcons as they aim to defend their title.