As the countdown to the 14th Women Africa Cup of Nations finals approaches, reigning champions Nigeria are set to face off against Ghana in a crucial friendly match. Scheduled for Saturday at the Stade el Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca, this encounter will serve as an important warm-up for the Super Falcons, who are gearing up for their first group stage match against Malawi on Tuesday, July 28th. The tournament, hosted in Morocco, promises to be a thrilling showcase of women's football across the continent.
The Super Falcons, who have claimed the championship title an impressive ten times, commenced their training camp in Casablanca on Monday. This vibrant city, known as Morocco’s industrial and economic hub, is the perfect backdrop for the team's final preparations. As of Tuesday lunchtime, ten players had checked into the team's hotel, with Toni Payne, a recent transfer to Inter Milan Women from Everton Ladies, expected to join the squad on Wednesday. Under the guidance of Head Coach Justine Madugu, the team held their inaugural training session at the Stade el Arbi Zaouli after lunch on Tuesday.
Among the players present at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca are key figures such as captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Fatima Oloko, defenders Oluwatosin Demehin, Glory Ogbonna, Christy Ucheibe, Shukurat Oladipo, and Rofiat Imuran, as well as midfielder Jennifer Echegini and star forward Asisat Oshoala. The upcoming match against Ghana's Black Queens holds significant historical context, as they were the ones Nigeria defeated in the finals during the inaugural edition of this competition back in 1998.
Following their friendly against Ghana, the Super Falcons will face Zambia on Saturday, August 1st, and Egypt on Wednesday, August 5th, as part of their Group C fixtures. The stakes are high, as all four semi-finalists from the tournament in Morocco will secure automatic qualification for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The fifth-placed team will have the opportunity to compete in an intercontinental playoff tournament scheduled for early next year, further highlighting the importance of each match in this prestigious competition.
As reported by thenff.com.
