The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that the Super Falcons will depart Lisbon for Casablanca as preparations intensify ahead of the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Falcons will head to Casablanca on Wednesday as the former continental champions shift their training base to Morocco, where they are scheduled to face arch-rivals Ghana’s Black Queens in their final warm-up fixture on Sunday, June 29.
The nine-time African champions had set up camp in Lisbon to fine-tune strategies for the continental showpiece, but logistical delays saw them arrive in Portugal only a day before a tough pre-WAFCON friendly against European giants Portugal on Monday.
Despite the short turnaround, the Falcons produced a stunning performance to earn a goalless draw against a side ranked 14 places above them in the FIFA rankings.
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Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was in inspired form, producing a series of breathtaking saves to deny the Portuguese and anchor a dogged Nigerian defence. In what was arguably her finest performance in a Super Falcons shirt, Nnadozie denied early threats from Diana Silva and later pulled off three world-class saves in quick succession to shut out Jessica Silva, Fatima Pinto, and Andreia Norton.
Nigeria, despite travel fatigue and minimal preparation time, showed flashes of their trademark flair. Forward Francisca Ordega was particularly lively, linking up well with captain Rasheedat Ajibade early on, and later rattling the crossbar with a cheeky chip from distance. Substitute Ifeoma Onumonu also came close to scoring after a clever cut-back from Ordega in the second half.
Coach Justin Madugu’s side soaked up pressure brilliantly in the encounter and ended the game the stronger of the two sides, pressing for a late winner and leaving the home crowd stunned with their resilience and composure.
The spirited display comes as a significant boost for Nigeria ahead of their WAFCON opener against Tunisia on July 6. The match against Ghana in Casablanca will serve as their final rehearsal before they chase a record-extending 10th African title.
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana are the reigning champions after their historic maiden triumph in 2022. Nigeria, who last lifted the trophy in 2018, will be keen to reclaim their continental dominance.
No team has ever defended the WAFCON title except the Super Falcons, who have won nine of the past 12 editions of the tournament. And with renewed belief following their performance in Lisbon, Nigeria’s quest for glory appears to be gathering steam at just the right moment.