The Super Falcons of Nigeria are set to arrive in Casablanca, Morocco, on Wednesday ahead of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to run from July 5 to 26.
Seven players, including the U.S.-based trio of Asisat Oshoala, Michelle Alozie, and Deborah Abiodun, landed in Casablanca on Tuesday. They were joined by Chinwendu Ihezuo, Folashade Ijamilusi, Esther Okoronkwo, and newcomer Chioma Okafor.
Seventeen players were available for Nigeria’s goalless draw against Portugal in a friendly match on Monday. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, the reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year, was instrumental in maintaining the clean sheet with several crucial saves. Forward Francisca Ordega came close to scoring late in the game, striking the crossbar from distance.
The remaining squad members who participated in the Portugal friendly are expected to join the rest of the team in Casablanca on Wednesday. The Falcons will face archrivals Ghana’s Black Queens in another friendly fixture on Sunday, June 29.
Ghana’s squad has been in Morocco since last Tuesday, undergoing a 14-day training camp in Benslimane in preparation for the tournament.
Nigeria, the most successful team in the tournament’s history with nine titles from 12 editions since its inception in 1998, will be aiming for a 10th championship.
The Super Falcons are drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. All their group stage matches will be played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Nigeria will open their WAFCON campaign against Tunisia on Sunday, July 6.
