Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Ghana’s Black Queens are poised for a significant pre-tournament friendly in Casablanca, serving as their final preparation for the upcoming 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). This highly anticipated encounter, taking place on Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Morocco, is more than just a warm-up; it is a crucial dress rehearsal between two of Africa’s most formidable women’s football powerhouses. The WAFCON tournament itself is scheduled to kick off from July 5 to 26, 2025, in Morocco.

For Nigeria, the nine-time champions, the objective is clear: to extend their dominance and secure an unprecedented tenth WAFCON title. Since the inaugural tournament in 1998, the Super Falcons have maintained a formidable presence in African women’s football. Under the leadership of their new coach, Justin Madugu, the team is focused on their ultimate goal. Madugu, addressing journalists in Morocco, expressed confidence, stating, “I am not under pressure. There will be stories and distractions, but we are staying focused on what lies ahead. We know our target. We are going for the trophy; that’s what doing well means for us. It is mission ‘X’ for every one of us.” This interim role also holds symbolic importance for Madugu, as he aims to elevate the perception of indigenous Nigerian coaches, adding, “If we succeed, it opens the door for others to be trusted with this kind of responsibility. If we fail, it makes things difficult for the next coach coming behind.”

The 24-player Nigerian squad arrived in Casablanca on Wednesday night, with key players like Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, US) and Folasade Ijamilusi (China) joining earlier. Training sessions have been rigorous, with the clash against Ghana earmarked as the final opportunity to test team combinations and chemistry. Earlier in the week, the Super Falcons played to a goalless draw against Portugal in Lisbon, a match that provided valuable tactical insights for the coaching staff ahead of their campaign in Morocco.

On the other side, Ghana’s Black Queens, under the guidance of Swedish head coach Kim Lars Björkegren, are building a quietly formidable squad, aiming to break their WAFCON jinx, having been runners-up twice (1998, 2002) but never lifting the trophy. Their confidence has been bolstered by recent back-to-back friendly wins, including a 3-1 victory over Malawi and a 4-2 triumph over Benin Republic. However, Björkegren openly admitted that the Nigeria match represents a significant challenge. “With full respect to Malawi and Benin that we have played against, Nigeria is one step up, one of the best teams in Africa; good players in almost every position, so it’s going to be a very tough game, but that’s also what we need now,” Björkegren stated to the Ghana Football Association website. He further added, “We have to show that our lowest level is high enough…so it’s just going to be fun to match against one of the best teams, and I’m really looking forward to that one.” Ghana has been placed in Group C for the WAFCON tournament, alongside defending champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania.

Sunday’s 5 p.m. clash in Morocco is anticipated to be a fierce encounter, offering a glimpse into the intensity that will characterize the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. For Nigeria, it’s about refining their ruthlessness; for Ghana, it’s about proving their capability to finally challenge for the continental crown. For football enthusiasts across Africa, it promises an early, exhilarating battle between two proud nations fueled by history, hunger, and heart.