Reigning Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions, the Super Falcons, began training in earnest on Wednesday in Ikenne, following the arrival of more players ahead of their double-header friendlies against Senegal.

The team’s camp officially opened on Monday, but the players’ staggered arrivals slowed down full preparations until Wednesday, when the majority of the squad had reported to camp.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Jennifer Echegini and returning defender Rofiat Imuran were the latest arrivals on Wednesday, taking the number of players in camp to 21.

Six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, Serie A Women’s Best Defender Shukurat Oladipo and Turkey-based Kafayat Shittu were among the first arrivals on Monday, while eight more players joined the camp on Tuesday.

Players who arrived on Tuesday included Nottingham Forest Women striker Joy Omewa, Galatasaray defender Tosin Demehin, midfielder Toni Payne, Blessing Ilivieda, China-based Folashade Ijamilusi, goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, experienced midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and Roma striker Omorinsola Babajide.

On Wednesday, they were joined by Christy Ucheibe, Glory Ogbonna, Blessing Nkor, Francisca Ordega, Comfort Erhabor, Sikiratu Isah and Washington Spirit striker Monday Gift.

Their opponents, the Lionesses of Teranga, also arrived in Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday night.

The 10-time African champions will host the Lionesses in the first match on Friday, before the visitors play as the designated home team in Monday’s reverse fixture. Both matches will kick off at 4 p.m. at the Remo Stars Sports Complex.

The friendly matches will serve as preparation for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, scheduled to hold from July 25 to August 16.

Nigeria, gunning for a record-extending 11th title, will face Egypt, Zambia and debutants Malawi in Group C, while Senegal have been drawn alongside hosts Morocco, Algeria and Kenya in Group A.

This year’s WAFCON tournament will also serve as the qualifying competition for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, with the best four teams qualifying directly to Brazil, while the fifth-placed team will be involved in an intercontinental playoff tournament for an opportunity to qualify for the finals.