Former Super Falcons international Gift Okunwa-Igunbor believes Nigeria’s double-legged friendly against Cameroon in Yaoundé will serve as a valuable benchmark ahead of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The Super Falcons are set to face the Indomitable Lionesses in two preparatory fixtures, and Okunwa-Igunbor says the games will provide meaningful insight into the team’s readiness.
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“Cameroon is always a good test for Nigeria,” she said. “These matches will help the coaches assess the team properly.”
Okunwa-Igunbor noted that most of the invited players are based abroad and are already match-fit from their club commitments, which should raise the competitive level of the friendlies.
“The majority of the players are playing regularly in Europe and other leagues. Fitness won’t be an issue,” she explained.
However, she cautioned that friendlies alone are not enough to guarantee tournament success.
“Two games cannot solve everything, but they will help identify weaknesses and areas that need attention,” she added.
The former midfielder emphasized the importance of tactical assessment and squad balance.
“This is the time to test combinations, understand player chemistry, and make key decisions before final preparations,” she said.
She also highlighted the psychological edge that competitive friendlies can offer.
“Facing a strong African rival like Cameroon builds confidence and exposes the team to tournament-like pressure,” she noted.
With WAFCON fast approaching, Okunwa-Igunbor urged the technical crew to maximize the opportunity.
“The goal is to be fully prepared before the tournament proper. Every friendly must count,” she concluded.
As the Super Falcons fine-tune their squad, the Cameroon double-header is expected to provide a clearer picture of Nigeria’s readiness to defend its continental dominance.
