Super Falcons Lose Final WAFCON Test as Ghana Friendly Is Called Off

Posted : 20 July 2026

Nigeria's preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) have suffered a setback after their final warm-up match against Ghana's Black Queens was cancelled.

The much-anticipated fixture, popularly dubbed the "Jollof Derby," was scheduled for Saturday, July 18, at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco. However, the match was called off due to unforeseen circumstances.

The Super Falcons confirmed the development in a statement posted on their official X account on Friday.

"The friendly match between the Super Falcons and the Black Queens planned for Saturday, 18 July 2026, in Casablanca is off due to unforeseen circumstances."

The cancellation deprives head coach Justine Madugu of an important opportunity to assess his squad in competitive action before the start of the continental showpiece.

The nine-time African champions have been training in Casablanca since Monday, with several key players already in camp, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe, Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran, Shukurat Oladipo, and Fatima Oloko.

Nigeria will head into the tournament as defending champions after winning a record-extending 10th WAFCON title in 2025. The Super Falcons are now targeting an unprecedented 11th continental crown.

Drawn in Group C, Nigeria will begin its title defence against Malawi on July 28 before facing Zambia and Egypt in Rabat.

Meanwhile, a light-hearted moment added colour to the tournament build-up when Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga jokingly appealed to Nigeria to go easy on her side during a pre-WAFCON panel discussion.

After Asisat Oshoala teased the Chawinga sisters about Nigeria's dominance in African women's football, Tabitha laughed and replied:

"The Super Falcons need to calm down. Please don't beat us 5-0. A 1-0 scoreline is enough."

The exchange quickly gained attention on social media, with fans applauding the mutual respect and friendly rivalry between two of Africa's biggest women's football stars.

The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations will run from July 19 to August 8, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. The fifth-placed team will advance to the intercontinental play-offs.

Super Falcons Lose Final WAFCON Test as Ghana Friendly Is Called Off

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