Nigeria’s Super Falcons rounded off their preparations for the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania’s Twiga Stars in an international friendly played behind closed doors on Thursday evening in Casablanca, Morocco, Sportblits.com reports.
The encounter served as the Super Falcons’ final tune-up before Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament gets underway on July 26, with matches scheduled to be played across Casablanca, Fez and Rabat.
Goals from captain Rasheedat Ajibade and forward Esther Okoronkwo secured victory for the nine-time African champions, who will head into the competition full of confidence after finishing their preparations on a winning note.
Ajibade gives Nigeria deserved first-half lead
The Super Falcons started brightly and controlled much of the opening exchanges, dominating possession while creating several promising attacking opportunities.
Their pressure paid off in the 15th minute when captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly slotted home after being picked out by an excellent assist from Rinsola Babajide.
The goal reflected Nigeria’s positive start as Justin Madugu’s side pressed high, moved the ball confidently and looked threatening whenever they attacked.
Ajibade’s finish handed the Super Falcons a deserved 1-0 lead, and they maintained that advantage until the halftime whistle.
The captain once again demonstrated the leadership and attacking quality that Nigeria will rely upon during the upcoming continental championship.
Madugu rotates his squad
With the match serving primarily as preparation for WAFCON, head coach Justin Madugu took the opportunity to assess the depth of his squad during the second half.
Several substitutions were made as the coaching staff looked to give valuable minutes to players expected to play important roles during the tournament.
Among those introduced were:
- Folashade Ijamilusi
- Uche Kanu
- Michelle Alozie
- Joy Omewa
- Esther Okoronkwo
- Osinachi Ohale
- Halimatu Ayinde
The coaching staff also chose to rest experienced stars including Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne, ensuring they remain fresh ahead of Nigeria’s opening group-stage fixtures.
The rotation allowed Madugu to evaluate different tactical combinations while maintaining the team’s competitive intensity.
Okoronkwo seals dramatic victory
Despite Nigeria’s dominance for large spells, Tanzania fought back and found an equaliser in the 79th minute, ensuring the closing stages became far more competitive.
The Twiga Stars capitalised on one of their attacking opportunities to level the score and briefly threaten Nigeria’s hopes of ending their preparations with a victory.
However, the Super Falcons responded impressively.
With the match heading towards a draw, Esther Okoronkwo produced the decisive moment in the 89th minute, scoring a dramatic late winner to restore Nigeria’s advantage.
Her goal secured a deserved 2-1 victory and highlighted the squad’s resilience and determination ahead of the continental tournament.
Positive signs ahead of WAFCON 2026
Although friendly matches are primarily used to improve fitness and tactical understanding, Thursday’s result offered several encouraging signs for the Nigerian coaching staff.
The Super Falcons displayed attacking creativity, defensive organisation and the squad depth required to compete over the course of a demanding tournament.
Ajibade continued her impressive leadership from the front, while Babajide’s assist and Okoronkwo’s decisive contribution underlined the quality available across Nigeria’s attacking options.
The ability to rotate players without significantly affecting the team’s performance will also be viewed as a major positive ahead of the championship.
Super Falcons targeting another continental title
Nigeria remain the most successful nation in the history of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, having won the competition a record nine times.
The Super Falcons will once again be among the favourites to lift the trophy as they seek to extend their dominance of women’s football on the continent.
Head coach Justin Madugu will be hoping his side can build on Thursday’s encouraging display when the tournament begins in Morocco.
Nigeria’s WAFCON 2026 Group C fixtures
The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C, where they will face three challenging opponents as they pursue qualification for the knockout rounds.
Nigeria’s Group C schedule:
- July 28: Nigeria vs Malawi
- August 1: Nigeria vs Zambia
- August 5: Nigeria vs Egypt
With confidence boosted by victory over Tanzania, the Super Falcons will now shift their attention to their tournament opener, knowing that a strong start could set the tone for another successful continental campaign.
The team’s blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents gives Nigerian supporters plenty of reason for optimism as they chase another WAFCON crown in Morocco.
