As the countdown to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) continues, all eyes will be on the much-anticipated showdown between two of Africa’s football heavyweights — Ghana and Nigeria.

Black Queens head coach, Kim Lars Björkegren, has openly acknowledged that their final pre-WAFCON clash against the Super Falcons on Sunday, June 29, will be the ultimate test for his side. Speaking after Ghana’s 4-2 victory over Benin, the Swedish tactician did not mince words: “Nigeria is one step up.”

Björkegren, who took the reins of Ghana’s women’s national team in early 2024, believes the fixture is crucial to measuring how far his side has progressed. “Nigeria is one of the best teams in Africa with good players in almost every position. The game against them is going to be very, very tough,” he admitted. “But that’s also what we need now.”

Ghana’s road to Morocco has seen the team notch wins over Malawi and Benin, giving the technical team a chance to assess squad depth and tactical versatility. Yet, Björkegren was quick to note that neither of those opponents could truly prepare the Queens for what lies ahead. “With full respect to Malawi and Benin, we need this kind of game now. It’s about developing our mentality and testing our resilience.”

Despite struggling at times against Benin, the Black Queens eventually asserted dominance — a performance the coach described as “a great second half.” He believes the Nigeria clash will offer a clearer picture of Ghana’s readiness to finally chase down the title that has eluded them for decades.

Ghana, runners-up in 1998 and 2002, remain one of the few top-tier sides yet to win the WAFCON. Standing in their path is the indomitable Nigeria — nine-time champions and perennial favourites. Sunday’s encounter won’t just be a dress rehearsal; it’s a symbolic battle between ambition and experience, with the Super Falcons representing the gold standard in African women’s football.

As the Black Queens aim to rewrite their history in Morocco, Sunday’s clash in Accra could be the spark that ignites a title-winning campaign — or a sobering reminder of the climb that still lies ahead.