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Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations have suffered another setback after Cape Verde pulled out of a scheduled double-header against the Super Falcons at short notice, Footynaija reports.
The two friendlies, billed for April 15 and April 18 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, were expected to form a key part of head coach Justine Madugu’s build-up to the continental tournament in July.
However, Cape Verde’s withdrawal has left the Nigeria Football Federation scrambling to find a replacement opponent, with little time remaining before the international window.
Reports suggest the late notice could scuttle any realistic chance of arranging alternative fixtures, raising fresh concerns about what has already been described as a ‘poor’ and ‘lacklustre’ preparation for Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
The Super Falcons are still expected to converge in Abuja this weekend, but the uncertainty surrounding their schedule highlights deeper organisational issues that have plagued their build-up.
The team has endured long stretches without competitive matches, having played only a handful of friendlies since securing qualification in October 2025 with a 3-1 aggregate win over Benin Republic.
Plans to provide additional game time have also fallen through. A proposed WAFU B Four-Nation Tournament in Abidjan earlier this year was cancelled due to logistical problems, further limiting opportunities for the squad to build rhythm and cohesion.
🚨😡Rasheedat Ajibade via IG –
— Official AGT⚽🎙️ (@Iam_agt) April 8, 2026
“We are not just preparing for the Women’s African Cup of Nations, we are also fighting for World Cup qualification…so why are we not preparing with the seriousness and intensity this demands…abeg wetin be all this one, for how long?🥶 pic.twitter.com/yvgYWOxS91
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade has already voiced frustration, criticising the federation for a lack of clear communication regarding training camps and fixtures during the April international window. Those concerns have been echoed by supporters and analysts, who fear Nigeria are once again repeating past mistakes while key rivals such as South Africa and Zambia continue structured preparations.
Beyond scheduling issues, reports of poor logistics, including instances where players trained in men’s kits due to shortages, have only added to the sense of disarray.
Despite the off-field challenges, Nigeria remain one of the favourites heading into the tournament, where they will face Zambia, Egypt and Malawi in Group C.
But with time running out, the collapse of the Cape Verde friendlies represents another blow to a campaign that is yet to gather momentum.
