Nigeria Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has admitted that Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations have been seriously affected, Soccernet.ng reports.
Madugu reveals that this development is as a result of several countries refusing to play friendly matches against the reigning African champions.
The Super Falcons have endured a frustrating build-up to the tournament in Morocco, with cancelled fixtures, rejected invitations and growing concerns from players and supporters over the lack of competitive games.
Nigeria have managed to play only two matches in 2026 so far, both against Cameroon in March. The Falcons lost the first game 1-0 before responding with a 3-1 victory in the second encounter.
Plans for additional matches have repeatedly fallen apart. A proposed four-nation tournament involving Ghana, Senegal and Ivory Coast was scrapped, while a scheduled double-header against Cape Verde in April was cancelled after the opponents suddenly withdrew.
Madugu explained that the Nigeria Football Federation had contacted several countries in search of matches, but many coaching staffs rejected the opportunity once Nigeria’s name was mentioned.
“The fact is that most of the teams are not ready to play us,” Madugu told Brila. “I am aware they have made a lot of efforts at trying to reach out to so many teams.
“The federation will accept by the time they approach their coaches, they will say no, they don’t want to play the Super Falcons. I’m aware they have made approaches to more than five countries. That I know.
“Maybe some other reasons could be behind it, but we’re not happy about it.”
WAFCON pressure grows as Super Falcons chase World Cup qualification
The situation has increased worries about Nigeria’s readiness for the 2026 WAFCON, which will run from July 25 to August 16 after being postponed from its original March date. The competition will also serve as the qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Players have already voiced concerns. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie have both criticised the lack of planning around the team’s preparations.
Madugu admitted the shortage of matches is hurting the team’s tactical growth and rhythm ahead of a difficult tournament in Morocco.
“We’re not happy about it because it’s not helping our preparations also,” he said. “But then, what can you do when you don’t have anybody that is ready to play against you?
“Some other countries, particularly the European teams, they are more focused on playing against European teams because of their World Cup qualifiers.”
At the WAFCON, Nigeria will face a difficult Group C containing Zambia, Malawi and Egypt. Zambia boast star forwards Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, while Malawi will rely on the dangerous Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa.
Madugu stressed that regular games are vital if Nigeria want to successfully defend the title they reclaimed in 2025 after beating hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final.
“It’s affecting our preparations. We are not happy about it,” he added. “You need games to improve. We will keep working.
“If they had qualified for the World Cup, probably knowing fully well that they will come up against teams from different continents, they might be of light in wanting to play us.
“However, some of the approaches that have been made, even with the European teams, some of them are not willing to play African teams for now, but they rather prefer to play against the European opposition, particularly the top countries.”
The Super Falcons are the most successful nation in Africa, with a record ten continental titles.
