The Super Falcons of Nigeria will open their training camp in Lisbon, Portugal this week as they ramp up preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled to hold in Morocco.

Led by head coach Justine Madugu, the nine-time African champions will use the training programme to fine-tune tactics, build team cohesion, and assess player fitness ahead of Africa’s premier women’s football tournament

The team is expected to depart Nigeria for Lisbon on Saturday, June 21, with a high-profile international friendly against the Portuguese women’s national team slated for Monday, June 23. The encounter will serve as a crucial test for the Super Falcons, offering a chance to gauge their readiness against European opposition and make final tactical adjustments before the continental championship.

After the friendly, the Nigerian side will continue their preparations in Lisbon before departing for Morocco on Tuesday, June 25, where they will hold a final camp ahead of the tournament.

Coach Madugu has already submitted his list of invited players for the Portugal camp to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), with the official squad announcement expected within the week. The squad is anticipated to feature a mix of experienced regulars and promising newcomers eager to stake their claim ahead of the tournament.

Nigeria, drawn in Group C for WAFCON 2024, will begin their campaign against Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday, July 6. The group also includes Botswana and Algeria, setting the stage for a competitive battle for knockout stage qualification.

As the most successful team in African women’s football history, the Super Falcons will be aiming to reclaim the WAFCON title they last lifted in 2018 and secure a record-extending 10th continental crown.