The Super Falcons have arrived in Lisbon for a key friendly against Portugal ahead of WAFCON.
Ten players led the early charge, with more stars expected before Monday’s crucial encounter.
Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, have landed in Lisbon, Portugal, as preparations intensify for their upcoming international friendly match against Portugal, ahead of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that a contingent of 10 players flew out from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and touched down in the Portuguese capital to kick-start the team’s training camp. The friendly is part of the Super Falcons’ build-up to the continental tournament scheduled to take place later this year in Morocco.
The players who made the trip from Abuja include veteran goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi, defenders Udoka Unachukwu, Sikiratu Isah, and Osinachi Ohale, as well as Shukurat Oladipo. The midfield and attack were represented by the likes of Francisca Ordega, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Usani Miracle, Christy Ucheibe, and Tosin Demehin.
They were later joined in camp by UK-born forward and former Atletico Madrid striker Rinsola Babajide, who linked up with the team directly in Lisbon. Her addition adds a boost to the attacking options available to Head Coach Randy Waldrum as he prepares his side for the crucial test against Portugal.
Thirteen more players are still expected to arrive in camp ahead of Monday evening’s match, which will be held at the Estádio José Gomes, located in the Amadora district of Lisbon. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. local time, which corresponds with Nigerian time.
The friendly against Portugal is being seen as a vital opportunity for the Falcons to fine-tune their strategies, test squad depth, and improve team cohesion as they prepare to challenge for their 12th continental title in Morocco.
Following the Portugal game, the Super Falcons will travel to North Africa where they are set to take on Ghana’s Black Queens in another friendly encounter scheduled for Friday. The two matches are part of a wider program by the NFF to provide the team with quality international exposure and sharpen their competitive edge before the WAFCON tournament begins.
Speaking ahead of the friendly, team officials emphasized the importance of playing high-caliber opposition. “Games like these give us the right atmosphere to assess our players, try out tactical variations, and understand where we need to improve,” a team spokesperson said. “Portugal is a top European side, and we’re expecting a challenging but valuable game.”
Coach Randy Waldrum is expected to use the friendlies to assess both experienced and emerging talents. With the likes of Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade among the players still expected to join camp, the matches will also offer a glimpse into the squad rotation and starting XI options being considered for the tournament.
The Super Falcons have maintained their status as Africa’s most successful women’s team, boasting 11 WAFCON titles. However, their recent performances have revealed the need for consistent international match exposure, better team chemistry, and depth to challenge on both the continental and global stages.
The build-up games come at a time when stakeholders and fans alike are calling for a more strategic approach to team development, especially with the growing competitiveness in African women’s football. Nations like Morocco, South Africa, and Zambia have made significant progress in recent years, and the Falcons are under pressure to maintain their dominance.
As the team continues preparations in Lisbon, the mood in camp is said to be positive, with players focused on building momentum and securing back-to-back wins to set the tone for WAFCON.
