Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, have officially commenced camping in Ikenne, Ogun State, ahead of their international friendly matches against Senegal as preparations intensify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

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Among the early arrivals in camp on Monday were six-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, defender Shukurat Oladipo, and midfielder Kafayat Shittu, as the nine-time African champions began assembling for the crucial double-header.

The Super Falcons opened camp at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne, where they will host Senegal in two friendly matches scheduled for June 5 and June 8.

The fixtures form a key part of Nigeria’s preparations for WAFCON 2026, which will be held in Morocco from July 25 to August 16.

Head coach Justine Madugu and members of his technical crew arrived at the camp on Monday morning to oversee the team’s preparations, while the remaining invited players are expected to join the squad in the coming days.

According to the team’s media department, all 23 invited players have communicated their travel plans and are expected to report to camp as activities gather momentum.

The friendly encounters against Senegal will provide Madugu with an important opportunity to evaluate his squad, strengthen team cohesion, and fine-tune tactical strategies ahead of the continental showpiece.

Nigeria will be aiming to reclaim the WAFCON title and further reinforce their status as Africa’s most successful women’s national team. The tournament also serves as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The top four teams at WAFCON 2026 will secure automatic qualification for the World Cup, while the fifth-placed team will advance to an intercontinental playoff for a final chance to reach the global tournament.

With preparations now underway in Ikenne, the Super Falcons will be determined to build momentum, sharpen their competitive edge, and assemble a squad capable of mounting a strong challenge for continental glory in Morocco.

The post Oshoala, Oladipo, Shittu Among Early Arrivals as Super Falcons Open Camp for Senegal Friendlies first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post Oshoala, Oladipo, Shittu Among Early Arrivals as Super Falcons Open Camp for Senegal Friendlies appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Former Nigeria U-20 head coach John Sam Obuh has called on the Nigeria Football Federation to ensure the Super Eagles remain competitive by consistently organizing international friendly matches.

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Following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, Obuh believes it is crucial that the team does not lose momentum.

“We must keep them active,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining rhythm and cohesion within the squad.

According to the experienced coach, one of the biggest risks during periods without major tournaments is a decline in competitiveness, something he believes can be avoided through regular fixtures.

“Friendlies are important,” he implied.

Obuh also pointed out that Nigeria’s current squad is in its prime, making the World Cup absence even more disappointing.

“It’s unfortunate,” he noted, reflecting on what could have been an opportunity to showcase the team’s quality on the global stage.

He referenced the Super Eagles’ impressive performance at the last Africa Cup of Nations, suggesting that the team had shown enough promise to compete at the highest level.

“We were ready,” he added.

However, rather than dwelling on the disappointment, Obuh urged stakeholders to focus on lessons learned.

For him, the key takeaway is the need for better planning and continuity.

“We must learn from this,” he stressed.

By organizing consistent friendlies, the team can maintain its core, integrate new players, and continue developing its style of play.

As Nigeria looks ahead to future competitions, Obuh’s message is clear.

Staying active is not optional, it is essential.

Because in football, form and cohesion are built over time.

And without regular competition, even the best teams can fall behind.

The post ‘Keep Them Active’ Obuh Urges More Friendlies — Says Eagles Must Stay Sharp Despite World Cup Absence appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Former Nigeria international Mobi Oparaku has strongly backed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle following the continued exclusion of home-based players from the national team.

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Reacting to the squad list for the upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan, Oparaku insisted that no player from the Nigeria Professional Football League is currently good enough to break into the Nigeria national football team.

“No domestic-based player is ready for this team,” he said.

The former defender argued that the current standard of the domestic league is not at the level required to produce players capable of competing in the national team.

“Until the league improves, it will be difficult for NPFL players to make the team,” he added.

Oparaku emphasized that the coach’s priority should be to select the best players available, regardless of where they play.

“The coach is right to pick the best legs,” he stated.

According to him, structural improvements in the league are necessary before home-based players can consistently challenge for places in the national team.

He concluded by urging football authorities to focus on developing the domestic league, noting that stronger local competitions will eventually produce players capable of competing at the highest level for Nigeria.

The post ‘No NPFL Player Is Ready’ – Oparaku Backs Chelle Over Home-Based Snub appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.