Pre-WAFCON “Jollof Derby”: Nigeria vs Ghana Final Warm‑Up Clash

Emmanuel Oladele الجمعة, يونيو 27, 2025

A sizzling “Jollof Derby” is set to headline Sunday’s action as the Super Falcons of Nigeria prepare to lock horns with Ghana’s Black Queens in their final pre‑WAFCON friendly, marking a crucial moment before the women's African tournament kicks off in Morocco.

Stakes and Squad Readiness

Final rehearsal – Both teams are tuning up ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Nigeria arrives off a solid goalless draw against Portugal, and Ghana recently vanquished Benin 4‑2 with a powerful second-half surge.
Team rotations – Ghana coach Kim Lars Björkegren plans to deploy his full squad, saying he “wants to use as many players as possible” to test depth and readiness.

Pre-Match Context

Nigeria’s journey – Fresh from Lisbon, where goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was instrumental in keeping a clean sheet, the Super Falcons have since relocated to Casablanca and are primed to face one of Africa’s longstanding rivals.
Ghana’s prep – The reigning Black Queens coach values this match as a key benchmark. “With full respect to Malawi and Benin, Nigeria is one step up … it’s going to be fun to match up against one of the best teams,” he explained.

What’s at Play

Aspect	Nigeria’s Super Falcons	Ghana’s Black Queens
Warm‑up form	0–0 draw with Portugal; strong defensive showing	4–2 comeback win over Benin; clinical in second half
Tactical aim	Reinforce defense, sharpen forward play	Rotate squad, test cohesion under pressure
Psychological edge	Solid confidence and momentum built overseas	Fired up to upset Nigeria and shift the balance

On The Eve

Nigeria: Coach Justin Madugu boasts of squad cohesion and readiness after positive showings versus high‑ranking Portugal.
Ghana: Björkegren expressed excitement about facing a “traditional powerhouse,” emphasizing that this match is exactly the challenge needed ahead of WAFCON.

Why This Derby Matters

Confidence boost – A win here could provide a vital psychological edge for group-stage matches in the tournament.
Depth test – Both coaches intend to rotate squads, fine-tune tactics, and assess form before the Group C opener against South Africa (for Ghana) and Tunisia (for Nigeria).
Pan-African bragging rights – Nigeria vs Ghana is arguably Africa’s biggest women's derby—victory will bring regional pride and momentum.

Looking Ahead

WAFCON kick-off:
- Nigeria start July 6 vs Tunisia
- Ghana open July 7 vs defending champions South Africa.
Intensity turned up – This match promises a tactical, physical and emotionally driven display that could define the mood for both teams heading into the continental spectacle.

Sunday’s Jollof Derby isn’t just another friendly—it’s a strategic, pride‑fueled showdown that represents both teams’ last full test. For the Super Falcons and Black Queens, it’s a chance to sharpen, assess, and steal early bragging rights before their WAFCON journey begins. Don’t miss what could be the ultimate dress rehearsal in Morocco!