Nigeria’s Super Falcons will lock horns with Portugal’s senior women’s national team in a high-stakes international friendly in Lisbon, as part of their final preparations for the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The encounter, officially confirmed by the Portuguese Football Federation, is scheduled for Monday, 23 June 2025, at 1:00 PM local time. The match will be a key feature of a week-long training camp aimed at fine-tuning the Falcons’ tactical sharpness and match readiness before the continental tournament kicks off in July.
During their Lisbon camp, Nigeria will engage in two matches against Portugal, with one being a FIFA-sanctioned fixture. This will provide head coach Justin Madugu and his technical crew a crucial opportunity to evaluate squad cohesion, player fitness, and tactical execution ahead of WAFCON.
The timing of the camp aligns perfectly with the FIFA international match window (June 23 – July 5), ensuring the availability of Nigeria’s top stars, including foreign-based professionals. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has strategically chosen Europe as the camp location to facilitate better acclimatization and expose the team to high-quality opposition before the tournament.
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Road to WAFCON 2025
As nine-time African champions, the Super Falcons have been drawn into Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. With a proud legacy to uphold, the team is determined to reclaim the title they last won in 2018.
Preparations are already in full swing, with two pre-tournament friendlies against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses lined up:
Saturday, 31 May – Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne
Tuesday, 3 June – MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta
Squad Overview
Coach Madugu has named a 23-woman squad for the Cameroon friendlies, blending experience and emerging talent. Key players include:
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid)
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC)
Defender Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash)
Midfielder Toni Payne (Sevilla FC)
Forward Rinsola Babajide (Real Betis)
Veteran defender Osinachi Ohale, midfield dynamo Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh), and rising star Jennifer Echegini (Juventus) have also been called up. Notably, Francisca Ordega makes a long-awaited return to the squad after an extended absence.
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All players are expected to report to camp at Am2pm Hotel, Ijebu-Ode, by Monday, 26 May. With a mix of seasoned campaigners and exciting young prospects, the Super Falcons are shaping up strongly for WAFCON 2025.
The upcoming friendlies against Cameroon and Portugal will be vital in refining the team’s strategy and building the winning mentality needed to conquer Africa once again.
