Nigeria’s Super Falcons return to action today as they take on Tanzania’s Twiga Stars in an international friendly that serves as their final preparation ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The match comes just days before the start of the continental tournament and gives head coach Justine Madugu one last opportunity to assess his squad, fine-tune tactical combinations and settle on his preferred starting XI. The fixture was arranged after Nigeria’s scheduled warm-up match against Ghana’s Black Queens was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, with Tanzania stepping in as replacement opponents.
Nigeria heads into the tournament as one of the favourites, having won a record 10 WAFCON titles. The Super Falcons will begin their Group C campaign against Malawi before facing Zambia and Egypt as they aim to reclaim the African crown. Tanzania, meanwhile, will use today’s encounter to sharpen preparations for its own Group B fixtures after qualifying for the expanded 16-team tournament.
Today’s friendly is expected to provide valuable minutes for key players, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and veteran striker Asisat Oshoala, while also allowing younger members of the squad to stake their claim ahead of the tournament opener. The coaching staff will be keen to build rhythm and chemistry after disruptions to their original preparation schedule.
A key storyline surrounding the match is Nigeria’s search for momentum rather than just victory. With the Ghana friendly cancelled, the Super Falcons have had fewer competitive minutes together than originally planned. Today’s game therefore becomes an important opportunity to test tactical systems under match conditions before points are on the line in Morocco.
As anticipation builds, Nigerian fans will be hoping the team delivers a confident performance that lays the foundation for another successful WAFCON campaign. While the result is secondary, the display could offer an early indication of how prepared the Super Falcons are for their quest to add an 11th continental title.
