U-Turn: Cape Verde pulls out of Nigeria friendly

Cape Verde has withdrawn from the international friendly matches that were scheduled against Nigeria’s Super Falcons.

The matches were supposed to take place on Wednesday, April 15, and Saturday, April 18, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.

The sudden withdrawal has created a challenge for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which is now scrambling to find a new opponent for the Super Falcons.

With just a few days remaining before the matches, the NFF may find it difficult to secure a replacement team on such short notice.

The friendlies were intended to give the Super Falcons much-needed match practice as they prepare for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which is scheduled to hold in July. Coaches and players were hoping to use the games to fine-tune strategies, assess player fitness, and build team cohesion ahead of the continental tournament.

The Super Falcons are expected to converge in Abuja this weekend to continue training and finalize preparations, even as the NFF explores alternative options for the friendly matches.

In the last international window, Justine Madugu’s side faced Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses twice in back-to-back matches. These encounters helped the team gain valuable experience and identify areas for improvement, which they hope to work on before the next big tournament.

Officials at the NFF have assured fans that the Super Falcons will remain focused and ready, despite the setback caused by Cape Verde’s withdrawal.

They emphasized that the team’s preparations for WAFCON 2026 will continue as planned, and alternative arrangements for match practice are being explored to ensure the players stay in top form.

The Super Falcons, one of Africa’s most successful women’s teams, remain determined to defend their status and perform strongly in the upcoming WAFCON tournament.