As part of their preparations for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which begins in Morocco next Sunday, reigning champions Nigeria will face Ghana in an international friendly in Casablanca on Saturday.

The 10-time African champions opened camp in Casablanca, Morocco’s commercial capital, on Monday as they stepped up preparations for their opening Group C match against Malawi in Rabat on Tuesday, July 28.

As of lunchtime on Tuesday, 10 players had arrived at the Super Falcons’ hotel in Casablanca, with midfielder Toni Payne, who recently joined Inter Milan Women from Everton Women, expected to arrive on Wednesday.

With head coach Justine Madugu in charge, the tournament favourites held their first training session on Tuesday at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

Already at the team’s Marriott Hotel in Casablanca are captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Fatima Oloko, defenders Oluwatosin Demehin, Glory Ogbonna, Shukurat Oladipo and Rofiat Imuran, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, and forward Asisat Oshoala.

The friendly against Ghana’s Black Queens, who lost to the Super Falcons in the final of the inaugural edition of the tournament hosted by Nigeria in 1998, will also be played at Stade Larbi Zaouli, with kick-off scheduled for 4 p.m.

After facing Malawi on July 28, Nigeria will also take on Zambia on Saturday, August 1, before concluding their Group C campaign against Egypt on Wednesday, August 5.