Head Coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Justine Madugu, has said the team’s upcoming international friendly matches against Cameroon women’s national football team will play a key role in shaping his final squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Madugu, who invited 25 players for the double-header against the Indomitable Lionesses in Yaounde, explained that the fixtures would give the technical crew an opportunity to evaluate new players and improve team cohesion ahead of the continental tournament.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference on Friday, the coach noted that the matches would help the team identify additional options before the competition.
“The key objective is to improve the team’s cohesion and try to look at new players who can provide fresh options before the WAFCON,” Madugu said.
He added that the performances of the players during the friendlies would determine how they fit into the team’s long-term plans.
“What the players will do in the game will tell us their capacity, how they fit into the team and what qualities they bring. We will then see how we can utilise those qualities and attributes to the team’s advantage so that we can have various options in our play,” he stated.
While acknowledging the competitive mindset of the team, Madugu stressed that the primary focus of the matches would be player assessment rather than results.
“Each time we step out to play, the expectation is always to win, whether it is a friendly or a competitive match. That mindset remains with the team. However, winning is not the ultimate aim for these games because the major objective is to assess the players, especially the new ones, and see what they can contribute,” he said.
The coach also expressed satisfaction with the early progress made in camp, despite the squad having spent only two days together at the time of his remarks.
“Within those two days, I have been impressed with the level of understanding, cooperation and synergy among the players. The new players have been well received by the senior members of the squad, and we are doing everything possible to create a conducive environment where they feel a sense of belonging and can perform at their best,” Madugu added.
As of Friday, the team’s camp had grown to 24 players with the arrival of goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Michelle Alozie and Osinachi Ohale, as well as forward Chinwendu Ihezuo, who joined the squad at their Hilton Hotel base in Yaounde.
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade and 16 other players had earlier begun preparations with the first training session held at the annex of the Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo.
The first friendly between Nigeria and Cameroon is scheduled for Saturday at the Military Stadium in Yaounde, while the second match will take place on March 3.
Nigeria will compete in Group C of the tournament alongside Zambia women’s national football team, Egypt women’s national football team and Malawi women’s national football team, with their campaign set to begin on March 18 in Casablanca.
All four semi-finalists at the tournament will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
