The Nigeria Football Federation has come under renewed criticism after confirming that the Super Falcons will face Senegal in a double-header international friendly next month, a move many supporters and analysts believe falls short of the elite preparation expected for Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
Nigeria’s senior women’s side will take on Senegal on June 5 and June 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, as part of preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
While the fixtures provide the Super Falcons with much-needed game time ahead of the continental tournament, critics have questioned why the nine-time African champions continue to struggle to secure high-profile international opposition during FIFA windows.
The latest criticism follows widespread disappointment during the previous women’s international break when the Super Falcons failed to play any friendly matches despite several top nations across Africa, Europe and the Americas remaining active.
The frustration has intensified because Nigeria are preparing for one of the most competitive editions of WAFCON in recent history, with rivals such as Morocco, South Africa and Zambia organizing stronger schedules and investing heavily in women’s football development.
The Nigeria Football Federation had initially hoped to involve the Super Falcons in a four-nation WAFU B tournament alongside Ghana, Senegal and Ivory Coast earlier this year in Abidjan, but the event was later cancelled.
A planned international friendly against Jamaica in England also collapsed after disagreements linked to FIFA scheduling regulations.
The repeated breakdown of proposed fixtures has fueled criticism of both the NFF and the National Sports Commission, with many fans accusing sports administrators of lacking clear planning and ambition for women’s football.
Some supporters on social media described the Senegal fixtures as another “Grade D” arrangement for a team expected to compete with the world’s best, arguing that the Super Falcons should be testing themselves regularly against elite opposition ahead of major tournaments.
Head coach Justine Madugu has previously admitted that securing quality friendlies has become increasingly difficult, partly because some countries are reportedly reluctant to face Nigeria due to the Super Falcons’ long-standing dominance in Africa.
Despite the criticism, the matches against Senegal are expected to offer crucial preparation opportunities for Madugu’s squad before WAFCON begins in July.
Nigeria have been drawn in a difficult Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi, while Senegal will compete in Group A with hosts Morocco, Algeria and Kenya.
The Super Falcons remain Africa’s most successful women’s national team with a record haul of continental titles, but pressure is growing on administrators to match the team’s historic reputation with stronger organization, better planning and higher-level international exposure.