Head coach Justine Madugu says the Super Falcons are focused on long-term growth as they prepare for the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will face the Cameroon Indomitable Lionesses in a high-profile double-header friendly in Yaoundé on Saturday and Tuesday.
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Speaking on the importance of the fixtures, Madugu explained that the games form part of preparations for 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, while also serving a broader developmental purpose.
“The objective is to improve team cohesion and look at players who can give us options before WAFCON,” Madugu said.
He stressed that the friendlies offer invited players a platform to prove their quality and suitability for the team’s evolving structure.
“It’s an opportunity for players to show their capacity, qualities, and what they can bring to the team so we can use those strengths to our advantage.”
While acknowledging the team’s competitive nature, Madugu noted that results are secondary at this stage.
“Winning is not the ultimate thing for us.
The major focus is to assess new players and improve the team on all fronts, even though our mentality is to win every match, friendly or not.”
The coach also welcomed the rivalry with Cameroon, describing the encounter as a motivating test.
“I love this kind of game. It’s like a derby. The rivalry brings out the best in everybody, and I’m happy we are playing this friendly.”
On squad selection, Madugu revealed that new call-ups were carefully chosen to strengthen specific areas.
“We’ve analysed our team and invited players based on quality and where we believe they can help us improve. The camp camaraderie has been very encouraging, and I hope the new players give their best.”
Looking ahead, Madugu underlined his vision of blending youth with experience to raise the Super Falcons’ global competitiveness.
“We are trying to build a team that can compete at the world level, not just in Africa. We’ve invited younger players with energy and skills to complement the older players and create the right balance.”
He added that mental preparation is central to the team’s ambition beyond the continent.
“We are preparing them mentally and psychologically for the Olympics and the World Cup. It’s about mindset.
These are the same players you face in club football, so there’s no reason to feel inferior wearing the green-white-green. They must believe they have the capacity to compete and win.”
The Cameroon friendlies are expected to provide valuable insight as the Super Falcons continue their rebuild toward sustained success on the global stage.
