Falcons open camp for Senegal double-header

Super Falcons players are expected to start arriving in camp in Ikenne, Ogun State, ahead of their upcoming pre-WAFCON double-header friendlies against Senegal, PidomNigeria Sports Extra reports.

On Sunday, the Nigeria Football Federation announced head coach Justine Madugu’s 23-player squad for the matches which come after the 10-time African champions missed other windows to prepare for the 2026 WAFCON.

Madugu’s list includes captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and veteran forward Asisat Oshoala.

Midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene also retained her place in the squad after returning during the recent friendlies against Cameroon following a three-year absence, while forwards Francisca Ordega and Gift Monday were also called up.

Belarus-based Blessing Nkor returns to the squad after last featuring in the friendly against France in November 2024, while Turkey-based midfielder Kafayat Shittu also earned another invitation after impressing for Giresun Sanayispor Kulübü.

Another returnee is London City Lionesses defender Rofiat Imuran, who has not featured for the Super Falcons since the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Also included in the squad are home-based goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, Israel-based defender Sikiratu Isah, defender Tosin Demehin, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde and Toni Payne, as well as forwards Folashade Ijamilusi and Joy Omewa.

The trio of Christy Ucheibe, Shukurat Oladipo and Rinsola Babajide, who all won titles with their clubs during the recently concluded season, also made the squad.

The Super Falcons will host Senegal on Friday, June 5, with a second match between both teams scheduled for Monday, June 8. Both games will take place at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne-Remo.

Senegal will face hosts Morocco, Algeria and Kenya in Group A of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Morocco from July 25 to August 16, while 10-time champions Nigeria will take on Egypt, Zambia and debutants Malawi in Group C.

The two friendly matches are expected to form part of Nigeria’s preparations for the continental tournament as Madugu continues to assess his squad ahead of the competition.