Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face Senegal in two international friendlies next month, finally ending weeks of uncertainty in their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed via the Super Falcons Show that both matches will be played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on June 5 and June 8 during the FIFA international window.
Head coach Justine Madugu is expected to use the fixtures to test his squad and regain momentum ahead of the continental showpiece starting July 25.
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The announcement comes after multiple failed attempts to secure high-level warm-up games. Nigeria had initially planned to participate in a four-nation WAFU B tournament in Abidjan earlier this year, but the event was cancelled due to logistical issues.
A proposed friendly against Jamaica in the United Kingdom also collapsed when the Caribbean side withdrew.
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Madugu admitted that arranging quality friendlies had been one of the biggest challenges for his technical crew, with several African countries pulling out of negotiations.
Nigeria’s dominance in women’s football — with 10 WAFCON titles — has reportedly made some federations reluctant to face them before the tournament.
So far in 2026, the Super Falcons have played only two matches, both against Cameroon in March. They lost the first 1-0 before bouncing back with a 3-1 victory.
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Meanwhile, rivals such as Zambia, South Africa, and Egypt have enjoyed more consistent schedules against stronger opposition.
Nigeria and Senegal last met in senior women’s football during qualification for the 2016 WAFCON. Senegal held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in Dakar before the Falcons won 2-0 in Abuja to progress.
At the youth level, Nigeria’s Falconets eliminated Senegal from the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers earlier this year and also defeated them at the 2024 African Games.
Senegal, drawn in Group A with hosts Morocco, Algeria, and Kenya, will arrive in Nigeria with ambitions of their own. Nigeria, meanwhile, faces a tough Group C containing Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi.
Beyond continental supremacy, WAFCON 2026 will determine Africa’s qualification slots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with semi-finalists expected to secure automatic places.
That reality places enormous pressure on the Super Falcons to deliver both performances and results in Morocco.
The Senegal friendlies may have arrived later than expected, but they now represent a vital opportunity for Madugu and his players to sharpen tactics, strengthen chemistry, and rebuild confidence before Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament kicks off.
