As the countdown to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) continues, Nigeria’s Super Falcons are ramping up their preparations with two crucial international friendlies lined up against Portugal and Ghana.

The nine-time African champions will take on Portugal in Lisbon next week, a challenging European test that promises to sharpen the team ahead of their continental campaign. After that, the Falcons will fly to Morocco — hosts of this year’s tournament — where a sizzling “Jollof derby” against West African rivals Ghana awaits.

These two high-profile encounters are more than just friendlies; they represent the final stretch of preparations before Nigeria’s tournament opener against Tunisia on July 6 in Casablanca. Drawn into Group B, the Super Falcons will also face Algeria and Botswana in the group stage.

With the “Mission X” campaign now in full swing, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to rally support for the team. Speaking from the United States, NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi reiterated the federation’s backing and called on fans worldwide to unite behind the Falcons.

“We want the Super Falcons to feel the energy of our football-passionate fans everywhere they go — from Abuja to Casablanca,” Sanusi said. “We are committed to fully supporting the Super Falcons’ campaign for a 10th continental title.”

Having dominated African women’s football for decades, Nigeria’s Super Falcons will be aiming to reclaim the WAFCON title they last won in 2018. With fierce determination, top-level preparation, and fan support behind them, the big question remains: can they survive the battles against Portugal and Ghana before the real war begins in Morocco ?