Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and 16 other players have arrived in Yaoundé as Nigeria’s Super Falcons intensify preparations for two international friendly matches against Cameroon’s senior women’s national team.

The reigning African champions are lodged at the Hilton Hotel in the Cameroonian capital ahead of the double-header scheduled for Saturday, 28 February and Tuesday, 3 March at the Military Stadium, Yaoundé.

Both nations are using the fixtures as part of their final build-up to the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026.

Final Preparations for Morocco

Nigeria, 10-time champions and defending title holders, will compete in Group C of the tournament alongside Zambia, Egypt and debutants Malawi. The Super Falcons open their campaign against Malawi on 18 March in Casablanca.

Cameroon, runners-up in 2016, are drawn in Group D with Ghana, Mali and debutants Cape Verde, and will face Mali in their opening fixture in Fes on the same date.

Canada-based playmaker Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene is among the returnees already in camp. She is joined by goalkeepers Comfort Erhabor and Fatima Oloko; defenders Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Shukurat Oladipo and Kafayat Shittu; midfielders Christy Ucheibe, Esther Onyenezide, Precious Christopher and Jennifer Echegini; and forwards Gift Monday, Joy Omewa, Favour Nkwocha, Folashade Ijamilusi and Rinsola Babajide.

The team trained on Wednesday at the annex of the Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo, and are scheduled to hold their next session at the main bowl on Thursday evening — the same venue where the Super Falcons defeated Cameroon 1-0 in the final of the 2016 Women’s AFCON.

More Arrivals Expected

Israel-based defender Sikiratu Isah is expected to join the squad before Thursday’s training session. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale and Michelle Alozie, and forward Chinwendu Ihezuo are also due in camp following their club commitments.

Mexico-based wing-back Chidinma Okeke and midfielder Halimatu Ayinde are anticipated to arrive in Yaoundé on Friday, completing the squad ahead of Saturday’s first encounter.

With the countdown to Morocco gathering pace, the Super Falcons will look to fine-tune tactics, strengthen cohesion and sharpen match fitness against their long-time rivals as both teams seek momentum ahead of the continental showpiece.

Captain Ghizlane Chebbak will spearhead Morocco’s quest for continental glory at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, as head coach Jorge Vilda named an experienced 32-player preliminary squad ahead of the tournament.

Morocco will host the competition from 17 March to 3 April, with preparations beginning this week at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora.

The squad announcement blends seasoned internationals, returning players and promising young talent, underlining the Atlas Lionesses’ determination to mount a serious title challenge on home soil.

Azraf’s Big Break

The headline inclusion is 18-year-old Kautar Azraf, who receives her first senior call-up after impressing at the youth level and with Spanish giants Barcelona. Widely regarded as one of Morocco’s brightest prospects, Azraf is expected to inject pace and attacking directness into the national side.

Her promotion signals Morocco’s continued investment in youth development as they aim to sustain their rapid rise in African women’s football.

Experienced Core Returns

Chebbak, the team’s inspirational captain, headlines a core of established figures that includes goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, defender Nouhaila Benzina, and attacking threats such as Sakina Ouzraoui and Fatima Tagnaout.

Also recalled are Yasmin Mrabet, Salma Amani and Sanaâ Mssoudy, reinforcing the squad’s depth and experience.

Building Momentum

Morocco’s recent outings have produced mixed results — including a 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso in November and a 2-0 defeat to South Africa in December — but the Maâmora camp will provide an opportunity to refine tactical structures and strengthen cohesion ahead of the continental showpiece.

As hosts, Morocco will seek to build on their impressive run when they last staged the tournament in 2024, reaching the final and capturing continental attention. Since then, significant investment in infrastructure and player development has further strengthened the women’s game in the country.

With heightened competition expected in 2026, Vilda’s calculated blend of youth and experience suggests Morocco are not merely preparing to participate — but to contend seriously for the title in front of their home supporters.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) holding next month in Morocco, has started gathering momentum as teams are announcing their squads and also organising friendly matches.

One of such is Kenya, whose squad has been confirmed by CAFonline even as the country also announced an ambitious build-up programme featuring international friendlies and an overseas training camp.

The Harambee Starlets enter a decisive phase of their preparations with two international friendlies scheduled in West Africa, followed by a residential training camp in Europe.

Kenya will travel to Abidjan on 28 February, where they are set to face Benin on 2 March before taking on hosts Côte d’Ivoire two days later at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara d’Ebimpé. The fixtures are expected to provide the technical bench with a valuable opportunity to test combinations and assess match readiness against competitive opposition.

Following the West African engagements, the squad will head to Miramas, France, for a training camp running until 15 March. The European camp has been designed to fine-tune tactical systems, sharpen match fitness and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the continental showpiece.

Odemba’s provisional list blends established internationals with emerging talent, signalling both continuity and healthy competition for places. Four goalkeepers headline the squad, while a sizeable defensive contingent reflects the technical team’s emphasis on structure and organisation.

Among those earning call-ups are Kenya Police Bullets trio Annedy Kundu, Medina Abubakar and Lorna Nyarinda, alongside Kibera Soccer Women pair Vivian Shiyonzo and Mary Majeso. Trinity Starlets are represented by Juliet Adhiambo, Elizabeth Muteshi and Mercyline Mejor, with Ulinzi Starlets defender Diana Shakava and Kayole Starlets’ Euphraiser Shilwatso also included.

The squad features a strong youth element, with eight players stepping up from Kenya’s U20 side into the senior fold. Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Fasila Adhiambo, Valerie Nekesa and Elizabeth Mideva retain their places, while Diana Ochol, Vidah Akeyo and Lornah Faith receive their first senior call-ups.

“We are looking at the bigger picture,” Odemba said. “Integrating players from the U20 team gives us depth and continuity, and it is important for the long-term growth of the national team.”

She added, “The friendly matches and the Miramas camp will allow us to evaluate our strengths and weaknesses in real match situations. Preparation is key. Modern football demands organisation, teamwork and belief.”

Kenya faces a demanding Group A campaign at WAFCON 2026, beginning against the hosts Morocco women’s national football team, on 17 March. They will then meet the Senegal women’s national football team on 20 March before concluding their group fixtures against the Algeria women’s national football team on 23 March.

The extended preparatory programme is expected to give the coaching staff a broader window to evaluate player combinations, address weaknesses identified during the friendlies and solidify tactical discipline as Kenya aims to make a significant impact at the tournament.