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Wafricnews - June 23, 2025

Africa’s queens of the pitch, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, will today face Portugal’s senior women’s national team in an international friendly in Lisbon — a key warm-up fixture ahead of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The high-stakes encounter is scheduled for 7pm (Nigeria and Portugal time) at the Estádio José Gomes in Amadora, Lisbon. It forms part of the Falcons’ final preparations as they aim to secure a record-extending 10th continental title at WAFCON 2024, taking place from July 5 to 26.

The Nigerian squad flew out of Abuja on Sunday morning, connecting through Casablanca, before landing in the Portuguese capital. The match against Portugal follows their 2–0 victory over Cameroon earlier this month in Abeokuta, continuing their momentum into the tournament.

Madugu’s Women Gearing Up for Glory

Head coach Justin Madugu has been putting the team through intense training sessions — first at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, then at the Turf Arena — in readiness for the showdown against a strong Portuguese side.

A 24-player squad has been announced for the WAFCON campaign, and it features a strong mix of experience and youthful firepower.

Back in the Mix

  • Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria’s top striker and Barcelona star, returns to the squad.

  • Ashleigh Plumptre, who plays in Saudi Arabia, is also back in defence after a spell away.
    However, Gift Monday, the Washington Spirit striker, was left out of the squad — a surprise omission that has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.

Also included are:

  • Goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Tochukwu Oluehi,

  • Defender Osinachi Ohale,

  • Midfield anchors Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne,

  • And attacking talents Francisca Ordega, Esther Okoronkwo, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo.

International Contingent Joins Camp
US-based Michelle Alozie, Plumptre, and team captain Rasheedat Ajibade are all expected to link up with the rest of the squad in Lisbon ahead of today’s game.

Next Stop: Morocco

Following today’s game, the Super Falcons will travel to Morocco, where they will play another friendly against fierce rivals Ghana’s Black Queens on Sunday, June 29. Ghana has already set up camp in Benslimane for a two-week intensive training programme.

Eyes on the Prize

The Falcons will compete in Group B at the WAFCON finals, alongside Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria, with all group matches taking place at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

Having won nine of the 12 editions of WAFCON since it began in 1998, Nigeria’s Super Falcons remain the most decorated women’s team on the continent. And with this well-prepared squad, all eyes are on Morocco as they attempt to make it a historic 10.


By Wafricnews Desk.

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