Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face Portugal’s senior women’s national team in a high-profile international friendly in Lisbon as part of their final preparations for the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports
The fixture, acknowledged by the Portuguese Football Federation, will take place on Monday, 23 June 2025, at 1:00 PM local time. It is part of a week-long training camp designed to sharpen the Falcons’ readiness ahead of the continental tournament, which begins in July.
During their stay in Lisbon, Nigeria will take on Portugal twice, with one of the matches sanctioned by FIFA.
The approved game will provide the coaching crew with a valuable opportunity to assess tactical cohesion, individual fitness, and squad chemistry ahead of the July 5 WAFCON opener.
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The training camp coincides with the FIFA international match window from June 23 to July 5, ensuring the full availability of the team’s top stars.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has been strategic in organising the camp in Europe to allow proper acclimatisation and test the squad against quality opposition.
Nigeria, nine-time African champions, are drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. With a rich history and expectations running high, the Falcons are aiming to reclaim the title they last won in 2018.
Meanwhile, preparations are already in full swing. The Super Falcons will play two warm-up matches against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses on Saturday, 31 May, at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, and on Tuesday, 3 June, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.
Head coach Justin Madugu has called up 23 players for the Cameroon friendlies, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, dependable goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defensive stalwart Michelle Alozie, midfielder Toni Payne, and pacy forward Rinsola Babajide.
Veteran defender Osinachi Ohale and midfield talents Deborah Abiodun and Jennifer Echegini are also included, while Francisca Ordega returns to the fold after a lengthy absence. All players are expected to report at the team’s camp at Am2pm Hotel, Ijebu-Ode, on Monday, 26 May.
With a blend of experience and youthful energy, Nigeria’s build-up to WAFCON 2025 is gaining serious momentum, and the upcoming friendlies will be crucial in shaping the team’s tactical identity ahead of a major continental quest.
