Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated Tanzania 2-1 in a final international friendly on Thursday in Casablanca, Morocco. Goals from captain Rasheedat Ajibade and substitute Esther Okoronkwo secured the victory, rounding off preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) where Nigeria seeks a record 11th continental title.
The match, held at the Lenoria Sports Complex, served as the final tactical test for head coach Justin Madugu before the team moves to Rabat for the tournament. Nigeria took an early lead in the 15th minute when Rasheedat Ajibade scored after being set up by Rinsola Babajide. While the Super Falcons dominated the opening half, Tanzania managed to level the score in the 79th minute, threatening a draw until a late surge.
The breakthrough came in the 89th minute. Esther Okoronkwo, who had come off the bench, scored the winning goal after an assist from Ajibade to seal the 2-1 victory.
Madugu’s Tactical Rotations and Squad Depth
Coach Justin Madugu used the friendly to evaluate his roster, implementing significant substitutions in the second half to test player combinations. According to Sports247 Nigeria, the changes included introducing Folashade Ijamilusi, Uchenna Kanu, Michelle Alozie, and Joy Omewa for Glory Ogbonna, Toni Payne, Rinsola Babajide, and Asisat Oshoala. Later, Okoronkwo, Osinachi Ohale, and Halimatu Ayinde replaced Christy Ucheibe, Sikiratu Isah, and Joy Omewa.
The starting XI for the match featured Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal, with a defensive line consisting of Tosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran, Shukurat Oladipo, and Sikiratu Isah. The midfield and attack were completed by Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Rasheedat Ajibade, Rinsola Babajide, and Asisat Oshoala.
This rotation strategy allowed the coaching staff to assess tactical flexibility
and squad depth before the official competition begins. The victory provides a confidence boost for the team, which is aiming to reclaim the continental crown after a series of warm-up fixtures that included a rescheduled match against Tanzania and a previously called-off friendly against Ghana.
The New WAFCON Jersey and 10-Star Legacy
Beyond the scoreline, the friendly served as the debut for the new WAFCON jersey. The kit prominently features 10 stars, representing Nigeria’s record of 10 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles.
This legacy makes the Super Falcons the most successful team in the tournament’s history. Since the maiden edition in 1998, Nigeria has won 10 of the 13 staged editions, including a streak of five consecutive titles from 1998 to 2006. Most recently, they secured their 10th title in 2024 by overcoming a 0-2 deficit to defeat Morocco 3-2 in the final.
Logistical Hurdles and Camp Arrivals
The lead-up to the tournament has not been without friction. While the camp in Casablanca swelled to 23 players with the arrival of forward Folashade Ijamilusi from China, other key players faced delays. The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that midfielder Deborah Abiodun and forward Gift Monday were delayed after their flight from the United States was cancelled due to a technical fault.
Other notable arrivals included midfielder Toni Payne, who recently moved from Everton Women in England to Inter Milan Women in Italy. The team has been utilizing the La Noria Club and the Stade el Arbi Zaouli for intensive training sessions to prepare for the group stages.
Group C Stakes and World Cup Qualification
The 2026 WAFCON is more than a quest for a trophy; it is a primary qualifying route for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The stakes are high for the 16 participating teams, as the four semi-finalists will earn automatic qualification slots. The fifth-placed team will enter an intercontinental playoff tournament early next year.
Nigeria has been placed in Group C, based in Rabat.
- July 28: Opening match against Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium.
- August 1: Match against Zambia.
- August 5: Final group match against Egypt.
The victory over Tanzania suggests that the Super Falcons have found a rhythm in their attacking transitions, though the 79th-minute equalizer from Tanzania indicates a potential vulnerability in defensive endurance that the coaching staff will likely address before Tuesday’s opener.
