Nigeria’s Super Falcons have arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, ahead of a high-profile international friendly against the Portuguese women’s national team.
The 9-time African champions touched down in the Portuguese capital after departing Abuja on Sunday via Royal Air Maroc, transiting through Casablanca.
Their arrival followed a week of intense logistical coordination, including visa processing at the Portuguese and Moroccan embassies and rigorous training sessions held at both the MKO Abiola National Stadium and the Turf Arena in Abuja.
Head coach Justin Madugu leads the squad as they fine-tune strategies for WAFCON 2024. Among the early arrivals in camp are key players such as first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, experienced shot-stopper Tochukwu Oluehi, defensive rock Osinachi Ohale, tireless midfielder Christy Ucheibe, and dynamic forward Francisca Ordega.
A number of overseas-based stars are expected to join the camp in Lisbon in the coming hours, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Michelle Alozie, and Ashleigh Plumptre.
Super Falcons. Photo Credit: X
They will be joined by midfielders Halimatu Ayinde, Jennifer Echegini, and Toni Payne, as well as forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Rinsola Babajide, and Asisat Oshoala.
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The friendly match against Portugal will take place at the Estádio José Gomes in Amadora, Lisbon, with kick-off scheduled for 7 p.m. local time (same time in Nigeria).
It is expected to be the Falcons’ sternest test yet ahead of the continental showpiece.
Following the Portugal fixture, Nigeria will face Ghana’s Black Queens in a second warm-up match on June 29 in Morocco, just a week before the 13th edition of WAFCON kicks off.
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At the tournament proper, the Super Falcons have been drawn into Group B alongside Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria.
All Group B matches will be played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. Nigeria, the most successful team in the competition’s history, is aiming for a record-extending 10th continental title.
