Mexico-based wing back Chidinma Okeke and midfielder Halimatu Ayinde are expected to touch down in Yaounde today as the Super Falcons ramp up their preparations for two friendly matches against Cameroon.
Their arrival is anticipated to bolster the Nigerian team, which already includes captain Rasheedat Ajibade and 16 other players currently stationed at the Hilton Hotel in Yaounde ahead of the matches set for Saturday and Tuesday of next week.
The friendly matchups between the senior women’s national teams of Nigeria and Cameroon will occur at the Military Stadium in Yaounde, with the first match on February 28 and the second on March 3. Both teams are utilizing these fixtures as part of their preparation for the upcoming 14th Women Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3, 2026, in Morocco.
As the defending champions and ten-time winners, Nigeria will participate in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and first-time participants Malawi. The Super Falcons will initiate their tournament journey against Malawi on March 18 in Casablanca. In contrast, Cameroon, who were runners-up in the 2016 tournament, will compete in Group D with Ghana, Mali, and newcomers Cape Verde, with their opening match against Mali also slated for March 18 in Fes.
Currently training with the Nigerian squad are Canada-based returnee Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, who has joined the goalkeepers Comfort Erhabor and Fatima Oloko, along with defenders Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Shukurat Oladipo, and Kafayat Shittu. Midfielders like Christy Ucheibe, Esther Onyenezide, Precious Christopher, and Jennifer Echegini, as well as forwards Gift Monday, Joy Omewa, Favour Nkwocha, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Rinsola Babajide are also in camp.
In a related update, Okobi-Okeoghene expressed her joy at returning to the Super Falcons after a significant hiatus. She last played for Nigeria during the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and subsequently took a break from football due to pregnancy and childbirth.
Now back in training, the 32-year-old Ottawa Rapid player shared her excitement about her recall. "I’m thrilled and grateful to be part of the team once again. I feel honored. I prefer to take things one step at a time and not rush my expectations at this moment," she remarked.
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