Nigeria’s senior women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, have suffered another major setback in their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after Jamaica withdrew from a scheduled international friendly that was expected to hold in the United Kingdom later this month.
The development has raised fresh concerns among football stakeholders and supporters over the team’s readiness ahead of the continental championship in Morocco, especially following a series of cancelled preparatory engagements in recent months.
The Nigeria Football Federation had arranged a training camp in the United Kingdom between May 23 and May 28 as part of efforts to keep the team active and competitive despite the absence of an official FIFA women’s international window during the period. Jamaica had been selected as Nigeria’s opponent in what was expected to be a valuable test match for the African champions.
However, the planned encounter was abruptly called off after the Jamaican Football Federation reportedly informed Nigerian officials that it could no longer honour the fixture because of internal administrative and logistical difficulties. The withdrawal forced the cancellation of the entire training programme, leaving the Super Falcons without another important opportunity to fine tune their preparations before the tournament.
The latest disruption has intensified worries surrounding Nigeria’s build up to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which is scheduled to take place in Morocco from July 26 to August 16. The Super Falcons will head into the competition as defending champions after reclaiming the continental crown in dramatic fashion during the previous edition.
Nigeria’s women’s national team remains the most successful side in African football history, having won a record 10 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles. Despite that impressive pedigree, recent events have exposed challenges affecting the team’s preparations, particularly in securing quality international friendlies against top opponents.
Earlier plans for a four nation invitational tournament reportedly failed to materialise, while a proposed double header against Cape Verde was also cancelled. As a result, the Super Falcons have played only two international matches in 2026, both against Cameroon in Yaoundé earlier this year.
Nigeria lost the first encounter before recovering strongly to win the second match, but analysts insist that more competitive games are needed if the team hopes to defend its continental title successfully against rapidly improving rivals across Africa.
Football experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of regular high level friendlies in building team chemistry, testing tactical systems, improving fitness levels, and helping coaches assess players ahead of major tournaments.
The cancellation of the Jamaica fixture is therefore viewed as a major disappointment for head coach Justine Madugu and his technical crew, who are still working to shape the squad ahead of the competition in Morocco.
Some senior players have also previously expressed concerns over the limited preparation schedule for the women’s national side. Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade had questioned why the Super Falcons continue to face difficulties arranging quality friendlies, especially when other major football nations are actively engaging in competitive build up matches.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was also reported to have raised concerns regarding the imbalance in planning and support between the women’s and men’s national teams, with many supporters calling for greater investment and attention toward women’s football development in Nigeria.
Reports indicate that several countries approached by the Nigeria Football Federation were unwilling to play the Super Falcons outside the official FIFA window because many overseas clubs would not release their players during that period.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group C of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations alongside Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi. The group is expected to produce intense competition, particularly the anticipated clash between Nigeria and Zambia, whose women’s national team has emerged as one of Africa’s fastest rising sides in recent years.
The Copper Queens of Zambia have enjoyed remarkable progress at continental and global levels, increasing expectations for a highly competitive showdown against the Super Falcons during the group stage.
Beyond the race for continental glory, the tournament also carries additional significance because it will contribute to qualification opportunities for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. African nations are therefore expected to approach the competition with maximum seriousness and preparation.
Despite the recent setbacks, confidence remains high among Nigerian supporters that the Super Falcons possess the experience, talent, and winning mentality needed to challenge strongly for another title.
Attention is now focused on whether the Nigeria Football Federation can quickly secure alternative friendly matches before the next FIFA window closes, as preparations intensify ahead of what promises to be another fiercely contested Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
