Nigeria vs Ghana: 3 key things to watch in Super Falcons’ final WAFCON 2026 warm-up

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will take on Ghana’s Black Queens in West Africa’s fiercest women’s football rivalry on Saturday, July 18, as both teams complete preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, Afrik-Foot reports.

The match, it has been confirmed by the GFA, will kick off at 4:00 pm WAT at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca, just days before the continental tournament begins.

It is the final opportunity for Nigeria head coach Justine Madugu to test his team before the Super Falcons open their Group C campaign against Malawi on July 28. The reigning African champions are aiming to successfully defend the title they won in dramatic fashion by beating hosts Morocco 3-2 in the 2025 final to secure a record 10th WAFCON crown.

Ghana also have plenty at stake. The Black Queens arrive in Casablanca after a confidence-boosting 1-0 victory over Ivory Coast in another warm-up game and hope to carry that momentum into Group B, where they will face South Africa, Mali and Tanzania.

Madugu has selected a 25-player squad featuring experienced stars such as Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie and newly-signed Inter Milan midfielder Toni Payne, although defender Ashleigh Plumptre is unavailable because of injury.

With both teams chasing success in Morocco, Saturday’s encounter promises far more than an ordinary friendly.

Can Nigeria repeat the winning formula from last year?

The Super Falcons have good memories of facing Ghana before a WAFCON tournament.

In June 2025, Nigeria also met the Black Queens in a closed-door friendly in Morocco as part of preparations for the delayed 2024 WAFCON. The Super Falcons produced an impressive 3-1 victory, giving the squad confidence before the tournament began.

That result proved to be an important stepping stone. Nigeria carried the momentum into the competition, defeating several top sides before producing a memorable comeback against hosts Morocco in the final to complete “Mission X” and lift their historic 10th African title.

Madugu will hope history repeats itself. The coach is expected to use Saturday’s game to fine-tune his tactics, improve understanding between his players and decide on his strongest starting eleven. It is also an important opportunity to see how the defence performs without Plumptre, one of Nigeria’s most experienced defenders.

The coaching staff will carefully manage playing time to keep the squad fresh while ensuring everyone is ready for the opening match against Malawi.

Who wins the battle to lead Nigeria’s attack?

One of the key questions ahead of WAFCON is who will start as Nigeria’s central striker.

Asisat Oshoala has been Africa’s greatest forward for years and the former Barcelona striker brings years of tournament experience. Now playing for Al Hilal, the six-time African Women’s Player of the Year still knows how to deliver in important matches and remains the favourite to lead the line.

However, competition for places has never been stronger. Joy Omewa has forced her way into contention after scoring twice against Senegal during Nigeria’s June preparations. Her movement inside the penalty area and confidence in front of goal have made her an exciting option in the squad.

Chinwendu Ihezuo offers something different. She uses her strength to hold up the ball, presses defenders aggressively and creates space for teammates to attack. Those qualities make her valuable against physical opponents. She was key in Nigeria’s journey to the title last year.

There is also Uchenna Kanu, whose pace and direct running can stretch opposing defences. Although she often starts from wide positions, her ability to swap places with the preferred centre-forward gives Madugu another tactical option.

Against Ghana, every attacking player will be trying to convince the coaching staff that they deserve to start when Nigeria begin their title defence later this month.

A win could send a strong message before WAFCON begins

Although the result will not affect tournament standings, it could have a huge psychological impact.

The rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana is one of the fiercely fought in African football, often referred to as the “Jollof Derby.” Both teams know that beating their biggest regional rivals provides confidence heading into major competitions.

Nigeria have dominated the biggest meetings between the two countries in WAFCON history. Ghana reached the tournament final in 1998, 2002 and 2006, but lost to the Super Falcons on each occasion.

Another convincing Nigerian victory would strengthen belief inside Madugu’s squad while reminding the rest of Africa that the defending champions remain the team to beat.

It would also send an early warning to Nigeria’s Group C opponents – Malawi, Zambia and Egypt – that the Super Falcons are ready to chase an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title.

The match is equally important for Ghana. The Black Queens have shown signs of improvement after their recent win over Ivory Coast, and a strong performance against Africa’s most successful women’s team would boost confidence before they face a difficult Group B campaign.

With pride, momentum and valuable tactical lessons on the line, Saturday’s clash in Casablanca promises a lot before WAFCON 2026 officially gets underway.