Nigeria’s Super Falcons have suffered a setback in their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after their scheduled international friendly against Ghana’s Black Queens was unexpectedly cancelled.
The pre-tournament clash, which was due to take place in Casablanca on Saturday, was expected to serve as the final dress rehearsal for both West African rivals ahead of the continental showpiece in Morocco.
However, the Super Falcons confirmed on their official X account that the fixture would no longer go ahead.
“The friendly match between Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Ghana’s Black Queens has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.”
No further explanation was provided regarding the reason behind the cancellation.
Important Test Lost Ahead of WAFCON
The friendly had been arranged to give both teams valuable match practice before the start of the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which will run from July 26 to August 16, 2026 in Morocco.
The tournament carries even greater significance this year as it also serves as Africa’s qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The four teams that reach the semi-finals will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while two additional nations will progress to the intercontinental play-off.
Saturday’s encounter was expected to help Head Coach Justine Madugu fine-tune his squad and assess tactical combinations before Nigeria begin the defence of the title they won last year.
Despite the cancellation, preparations are expected to continue in Morocco as the Super Falcons intensify training ahead of their opening match.
Nigeria Eye Historic 11th WAFCON Crown
Nigeria head into the tournament as defending champions and Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
The Super Falcons will be aiming to lift a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title after edging hosts Morocco 3-2 in an unforgattable final to reclaim the continental crown.
Madugu’s squad has retained the core of the championship-winning team, led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Africa’s top goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, experienced striker Asisat Oshoala, midfielder Jennifer Echegini, defender Osinachi Ohale, and several other established stars.
– Read More: Here’s the Real Reason Why WAFCON 2026 Postponed Just 12 Days Before Kickoff
– Read More: Everything You Need to Know About Super Falcons vs Ghana Ahead of WAFCON 2026
– Read More: Super Falcons Unveil Title Defence Squad for 2026 WAFCON as Nigeria Eyes Historic 11th African Crown
Group Stage Challenge Awaits
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi, with all three group matches scheduled to be played in Rabat.
The Super Falcons will begin their title defence against Malawi on July 28, before taking on Zambia on August 1, and concluding the group phase against Egypt on August 5.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s Black Queens have been placed in Group D alongside Cape Verde, Cameroon and Mali as they seek to make a strong return to the continental stage.
Focus Shifts Fully to Morocco
Although the cancellation denies both sides a competitive warm-up, neither team is expected to alter its tournament schedule.
Nigeria remain firmly focused on defending their African crown while also extending their remarkable record of qualifying for every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the competition’s inception in 1991.
With the countdown to Morocco 2026 now entering its final days, the Super Falcons will hope the unexpected disruption has little impact as they chase history and another continental triumph.
