Senegal women to face Nigeria in WAFCON warm-up friendlies

Senegal’s women’s national team will face African giants Nigeria women’s national football team in two friendly matches next month as preparations intensify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Senegalese Football Federation announced on Saturday, 30 May, that the Lionesses will take on Nigeria on 5 and 8 June in Ikenne.

The fixtures are expected to provide valuable preparation ahead of the continental tournament, where Senegal will be aiming to make an impact in their third consecutive appearance at the competition.

The two matches will serve as the final stage of preparation before the start of the Women’s AFCON. Friendly encounters offer coaching staff an opportunity to assess players, test tactical combinations and evaluate the balance of the squad without the pressure associated with competitive fixtures.

Head coach Mame Moussa Cissé has selected a squad of 26 players for the training camp, combining talent from both the domestic league and clubs abroad.

Among the players included are Mama Diop of RC Strasbourg, Mareme Babou of RC Lens, Korka Fall of SM Caen, Nguenar Ndiaye of Bourges 18 and Mona Sarr of Hertha BSC.

Several members of Aigles de la Médina, the reigning Senegalese champions, have also been called up as the coach continues to build a competitive squad for the tournament.

Nigeria will provide a significant test for Senegal. Widely regarded as the leading force in African women’s football, the Super Falcons have long set the standard on the continent and represent strong opposition ahead of the finals.

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations was initially scheduled to take place between 17 March and 3 April but has since been moved to 25 July to 16 August in Morocco.

According to Patrice Motsepe, the adjustment was made to allow for a substantial increase in prize money for the tournament winners.

Senegal will be making their fifth appearance at the Women’s AFCON finals and have been drawn in Group A alongside host nation Morocco, Algeria and Kenya.

With the tournament approaching, the upcoming friendlies against Nigeria are set to provide an important measure of Senegal’s readiness for one of the biggest competitions in African women’s football.