Super Falcons Face Portugal in Crucial WAFCON Warm-Up Match on Monday
Nine-time African champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, are set to battle Portugal’s senior women’s national team in a high-profile friendly match in Lisbon on Monday, June 10. The clash forms part of Nigeria’s final preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which kicks off in Morocco next month.
The friendly fixture will take place at Estádio José Gomes in Amadora, Lisbon, and kicks off at 7:00 PM local time (7:00 PM WAT).
Super Falcons Land in Lisbon After Intense Abuja Camp
The Super Falcons contingent departed Abuja on Sunday morning via Royal Air Maroc, connecting through Casablanca before arriving in Lisbon. This follows a week-long intensive training camp in Abuja, held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium and Turf Arena, along with visa processing at both the Portuguese and Moroccan embassies.
Head coach Justine Madugu has had the core of his squad in full training, with notable players including goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Tochukwu Oluehi, veteran defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Christy Ucheibe, and forward Francisca Ordega.
Big Names Join in Lisbon
The squad is expected to be strengthened further in Lisbon with the arrival of US-based defender Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre (Saudi Arabia), team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, and midfielders Halimatu Ayinde, Jennifer Echegini, and Toni Payne.
Forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo are also due to link up with the team ahead of the match.
Road to WAFCON 2024: Final Friendlies and Group B Challenges
The Super Falcons vs Portugal friendly is a key part of Nigeria’s tactical buildup to WAFCON 2024, set to begin on July 5. Nigeria has been drawn into Group B, with all group-stage matches scheduled at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Before the tournament officially kicks off, the Falcons will also face Ghana’s Black Queens in another key warm-up game, scheduled for Sunday, June 29 in Morocco. This West African derby promises to be a thrilling final test ahead of the continental showdown.
