The Super Falcons’ preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) have hit a snag with the abrupt withdrawal of Cape Verde from their scheduled international friendlies against the African champions.
The two matches slated to take place on April 15 and April 18 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, were a key part of Nigeria’s build-up to the continental showpiece in Morocco.
Their cancellation leaves the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with a significant challenge to find a replacement opponent at short notice.
The cancellation is a blow to Head Coach Justine Madugu’s plans, as the friendlies were intended to provide valuable match practice and tactical assessment for the squad.
Players were expected to assemble in Abuja this weekend, April 11-12, to begin their camp ahead of the originally scheduled games.
While the NFF is now in a race against time to secure an alternative opponent, sources indicate the camp will still proceed, albeit with adjusted plans.
The focus remains on integrating players, refining tactics, and maintaining the team’s competitive edge as WAFCON looms.
The Super Falcons last featured in the international window against Cameroon.
In a closely contested series, Nigeria suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in the first match but responded impressively in the return fixture, securing a morale-boosting 3-1 victory.
That performance showcased the team’s resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks.
The NFF is reportedly exploring several options to fill the void left by Cape Verde’s withdrawal. Potential opponents from within Africa or even European nations on their own international break tours are likely being considered.
The priority will be to find a team that can offer a similar level of challenge to what Nigeria might expect in the WAFCON tournament.
