Nigeria’s Super Falcons will finally return to action in June with a double-header friendly series against Senegal as preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations gather momentum.
The two international friendlies are scheduled for June 5 and June 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
The announcement was made through the Super Falcons Show, an NFF-backed social media platform, ending uncertainty surrounding the team’s prolonged inactivity ahead of major international competitions.
Falcons end frustrating run without matches
Nigeria’s last outing came in March when the Super Falcons defeated Cameroon 3-1 in Yaoundé.
Since then, multiple planned fixtures have collapsed.
A proposed training camp and friendly against Jamaica in the United Kingdom was cancelled after Jamaica withdrew due to FIFA player release complications.
Earlier plans for friendlies against Cape Verde also failed to materialise, while a planned WAFU B women’s tournament involving Ghana, Senegal and hosts Ivory Coast was scrapped entirely.
Nigeria consequently missed two recent FIFA international windows, leaving the coaching staff with limited preparation time.
Madugu admits teams reluctant to face Nigeria
Head coach Justin Madugu revealed that several countries declined invitations to play Nigeria due to the Super Falcons’ reputation.
“The fact is that most teams are not ready to play us,” Madugu said in an interview with Brila FM.
He disclosed that more than five countries were contacted, but none agreed to fixtures.
The situation has complicated preparations for the upcoming WAFCON tournament in Morocco, where Nigeria have been drawn alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi.
WAFCON carries World Cup qualification pressure
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will also serve as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Africa’s four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification spots.
Nigeria remain one of only seven countries to have qualified for every FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament, placing additional pressure on the Super Falcons to deliver a strong campaign in Morocco.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive challenge despite Nigeria’s historical advantage in the fixture.
The two sides last met competitively during qualification for the 2016 WAFCON, where Nigeria advanced 3-1 on aggregate after a draw in Dakar and victory in Abuja.
