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Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations have suffered another major setback after Jamaica pulled out of a planned friendly programme with the Super Falcons, Footynaija reports.
The cancellation has also forced the Nigeria Football Federation to abandon a proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which had been scheduled for May 23 to 28 as part of the build-up to WAFCON in Morocco.
The Super Falcons had hoped to use the camp to improve fitness, sharpen tactics and give head coach Justine Madugu more time to work with his squad before the continental tournament begins in July. But the entire arrangement collapsed after Jamaica withdrew because of internal administrative difficulties, as per SavidNews via The DailyPost.
Nigeria were left scrambling for alternatives at short notice, but Madugu admitted that efforts to secure replacement opponents proved difficult. Several countries reportedly declined invitations to face the reigning African champions, especially outside the official FIFA international calendar.
The timing of the proposed camp also created fresh complications for the NFF. Because the tour fell outside the FIFA window, many Europe-based and North America-based players were unlikely to be released by their clubs.
I don’t think the NFF even recognizes the Super Falcons as a national team anymore, because what the hell are all these back and forth when it comes to the Super Falcons?
— Banky G 🎤⚽ (@BankyGee_) May 12, 2026
In the last 30 days:
Friendly vs. Togo – Canceled ❌
Friendly vs. Cape Verde – Canceled ❌
UK Tour now -… https://t.co/PDrAvRR7u8 pic.twitter.com/mbXYh5alJ1
It continues a frustrating pattern for the Super Falcons in 2026. A proposed four-nation invitational tournament earlier in the year failed to happen, while an April double-header against Cape Verde was also cancelled.
As things stand, Nigeria have played only two matches this year, both against Cameroon in March. Still, the Super Falcons remain concerned over the team’s lack of competitive action ahead of a demanding WAFCON campaign.
Nigeria will begin their title defence on July 25 in Casablanca, where all their Group C matches will take place at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium. The Super Falcons are drawn alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt.
The meeting with Zambia is expected to be one of the biggest games of the group stage, with Barbra Banda’s Copper Queens still carrying memories of their heavy defeat to Nigeria at the previous tournament.
WAFCON 2026 will also serve as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with Africa’s four semi-finalists earning automatic places.
Nigeria remain the most successful team in African women’s football history with 10 WAFCON titles, and the NFF is now expected to focus on arranging new friendlies during the next FIFA international window in June.
