Nigeria’s Super Falcons will clash with arch-rivals Cameroon in two back-to-back friendlies, and head coach Justine Madugu is making it clear — these games are no dress rehearsals, Footynaija.com reports.
The matches, scheduled for Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne and Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, are part of Nigeria’s buildup to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
“Our objectives for these two matches include improving our game philosophy and tactical approach,” said Madugu.
“We want to observe and assess the players in line with our philosophy. We are determined to improve the team’s coordination, team spirit and mentality towards winning the Women’s AFCON.”
The Super Falcons of Nigeria arrive at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. pic.twitter.com/KopXDTNTHC
— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) May 29, 2025
Though labelled as friendlies, Madugu insists the team must treat them with utmost seriousness.
“Yes, these are friendly matches but we must approach things with the right mentality… It will not be right for us to treat the games with kid gloves and earn results that will have an untoward psychological effect on the team going to Morocco.”
The rivalry between the Falcons and the Indomitable Lionesses is storied.
Nigeria knocked Cameroon out of the last Olympic qualifiers and famously defeated them in the 2016 WAFCON final on Cameroonian soil.
Interestingly, while Nigeria are on course to battle for a 12th continental crown at the next WAFCON, Cameroon did not qualify for the tournament.
Nigeria will face Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana in Group B at the 13th Women’s AFCON.
SUPER FALCONS FOR LIONESSES’ CHALLENGE:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens); Morufa Ademola (Edo Queens)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Edo Queens); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens)
Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Amarachi Odoma (Edo Queens)
Forwards: Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia); Olamide Bolaji (Remo Stars Ladies); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Emem Essien (Edo Queens)