The Super Falcons of Nigeria face risk of idle international window as NFF scrambles for opponents, in the ongoing final women’s international window of 2025, which opened yesterday (Monday).
The women national team now head into a crucial period without competitive action, which has raised concerns about the team’s preparation ahead of next year’s continental and global qualifiers.
Ahead of the 2026 WAFCON, countries have been preparing openly and behind closed, planning friendly games including international fixtures to prepare their Ladies.
The international break, which runs from November 24 to December 2, offers national teams around the world a chance to regroup and play at least two matches.
While several African nations have already confirmed their fixtures, Nigeria is yet to finalize a single friendly match.
African Rivals Secure Key Tests While Super Falcons Waits
In contrast to Nigeria’s uncertainty, regional rivals have taken full advantage of the window:
-
Ghana will face England on December 2
-
Zambia, Kenya, and South Africa have also sealed friendly commitments
-
Several European and South American teams have been in talks since early October
The Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, risk spending the window idle.
Preparation Concerns Ahead of WAFCON and World Cup Qualifiers
According to reports, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau offered a brief but telling reply, while responding to questions on whether the Falcons would participate in any friendlies this period, stating;
“We are checking.”
The Super Falcons, who sealed their spot at the 2026 WAFCON with a 3–1 aggregate win over Benin Republic in October, are expected to defend their title in Morocco next year.
CAF has not officially confirmed the tournament dates, though it is widely projected for early 2026 and will double as qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
If the Falcons fail to arrange matches during this window, the next realistic opportunity to regroup may not come until March 2026, a potentially damaging gap in competitive preparation.
Read More: Plumptre Nets First Goal as Super Falcons Qualifies for the WAFCON 2026
Read More: OFFICIAL: Madugu Extends Super Falcons Contract Until 2027
Read More: Madugu Clears the Air on Omitting Monday Gift from Super Falcons Squad
Limited Activity in 2025 Raises Alarm
Nigeria’s Super Falcons remains Africa’s number one women’s national team and 36th globally, according to the August FIFA rankings.
However, Aside from their unbeaten run at the WAFCON in July, the Super Falcons have played only three matches throughout 2025.
Updated rankings are expected on December 11.
The 2026 WAFCON is scheduled to take place March 17th of March – 3rd of April, as Morocco host its third consecutive WAFCON.
