As the countdown to the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) continues, head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren is steering Ghana’s Black Queens through a crucial series of preparatory matches, with a highly anticipated friendly against Nigeria taking centre stage.

The Black Queens are scheduled to play three international friendlies in June — part of their final build-up ahead of the continental showdown in Morocco. Having already lined up clashes against Malawi and Botswana, the Queens will face regional rivals Nigeria in what promises to be the toughest test of the lot.

Coach Bjorkegren, speaking to the Ghana Football Association’s official website, highlighted the strategic importance of these matchups.

> “We want to test ourselves against different playing styles and team dynamics. Malawi and Botswana provide technical and disciplined opposition, while Nigeria offers the challenge of a traditional powerhouse,” he remarked.

Ghana will open the friendly series against Malawi at the Ziaida Complex in Benslimane on June 21, then return to the same venue to face Botswana on June 25. The final game — and arguably the marquee fixture — will see the Queens take on the Super Falcons of Nigeria at the Lanouria Complex on June 29.

The test against Nigeria, Africa’s most decorated women’s national team, is seen as a vital yardstick for assessing the Black Queens’ readiness for WAFCON. Ghana will begin their campaign on July 5 with a daunting Group C opener against defending champions South Africa.

Coach Bjorkegren and his squad hope that these friendlies — particularly the clash with Nigeria — will sharpen their form and forge cohesion ahead of the big tournament.