The Nigerian senior women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, received a significant personnel boost in Casablanca, Morocco, following the arrival of experienced key trio Esther Okoronkwo, Michelle Alozie, and Uchenna Kanu at their training camp. The arrival of the three players elevated the total number of squad members present at the team’s base to twenty-two, as the technical crew led by head coach Justine Madugu accelerates preparations ahead of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. With the majority of the invited twenty-five-woman roster now assembled in North Africa, training sessions have intensified as the continental powerhouse prepares to defend its crown on African football's biggest stage.
Three remaining players—midfielder Deborah Abiodun and forwards Gift Monday and Folashade Ijamilusi—are scheduled to join their teammates at the Hotel Marriott in Casablanca later in the day, completing the full contingent selected by the technical staff. Once the final trio arrives, Coach Madugu will have his complete squad intact for the remaining tactical drills, fitness evaluations, and match simulations. The Nigerian contingent officially opened its final pre-tournament camp in Casablanca early last week, utilizing local sports facilities including the La Noria Club ground to conduct technical routines, endurance sessions, and team bonding activities.
The squad is scheduled to remain in Casablanca through the end of the week before making the short transit to Rabat, where they will establish their tournament operational base. All of Nigeria's preliminary group matches are set to be played in Rabat, where the team will compete in Group C alongside challenging opposition including Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi. The Super Falcons will formally begin their title defense on Tuesday, July 28, when they lock horns with the Scorchers of Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat. Following their opening fixture against Malawi, the Nigerian side will continue their group stage campaign with high-stakes encounters against Zambia and Egypt as they seek top placement in the group standings.
The current squad features a potent mix of seasoned international veterans and vibrant younger talent who have been training together in Morocco. Key leaders already fully integrated in camp include team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, star forward Asisat Oshoala, and trusted goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. They are joined by reliable defensive mainstays such as Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Shukurat Oladipo, and Christy Ucheibe, along with dynamic midfielders Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini, all of whom reported to camp during the initial days of the gathering. The arrival of Alozie, Okoronkwo, and Kanu adds crucial tactical depth across the defensive flanks and attack, giving the coaching staff varied options as they fine-tune game strategies.
The Super Falcons enter the competition bearing the weight of immense historical expectations as the undisputed rulers of African women's football, having claimed a record eleven continental titles since the tournament's inception. Head coach Justine Madugu has underscored the importance of maintaining tactical discipline, focus, and physical readiness throughout their time in Morocco, acknowledging that rival African nations have made major strides in recent years. Beyond securing continental glory, the tournament serves as a crucial measuring stick for the team's ongoing development on the international scene. With the full complement of twenty-five players nearly assembled and training in high gear, the Super Falcons remain fully focused on delivering a strong opening performance against Malawi and building sustained momentum toward another historic championship run.
