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Lisbon, Portugal - The Nigerian Super Falcons are set to engage in a highly anticipated international friendly match against their Portuguese counterparts, the Navegadoras, on Sunday, June 23, 2025. This fixture serves as a vital preparatory game for the Super Falcons as they fine-tune their squad ahead of the upcoming CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, scheduled for July. The match, which is part of a week-long training camp for the Nigerian team in Portugal, is strategically placed within the FIFA international match window, ensuring the availability of key players from both sides.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 PM Nigerian Time (WAT). For those in Portugal, this corresponds to a 7:00 PM local time start. The venue for this exciting encounter is the Estádio José Gomes in Amadora, Portugal, and it is expected to draw a significant crowd, eager to witness these two formidable women's national teams in action.
For football enthusiasts in Nigeria who wish to follow the Super Falcons' performance, the match will be broadcast live on Afrosport. Additionally, fans may be able to catch the action on NFF TV, the official television platform of the Nigeria Football Federation, though specific details regarding NFF TV's broadcast might require further confirmation closer to the match day. In Portugal, the game is expected to be available on Canal 11, a dedicated sports channel, allowing the home crowd to cheer on their Navegadoras.
This friendly match holds considerable significance for both teams. For Portugal, it is a crucial warm-up as they prepare for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025, which commences on July 2 in Switzerland. The Navegadoras, having secured their spot in Euro 2025 by finishing second in their UEFA Women's Nations League group, will be looking to build momentum and assess their tactical readiness. Coach Francisco Neto is expected to field a strong squad, featuring experienced players who can challenge the Super Falcons' formidable lineup.
Meanwhile, for Randy Waldrum's Super Falcons, the match against a strong European opponent like Portugal provides an invaluable opportunity to test their tactical cohesion, individual fitness, and overall squad chemistry. The nine-time African champions are drawn in Group B of the WAFCON alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana, and these preparatory games are essential for their ambitions of reclaiming the continental title. The team's training camp in Europe is also aimed at acclimatizing the players to a different environment and fostering team spirit before the rigorous WAFCON tournament.
Beyond the direct implications for both teams' immediate tournament preparations, this friendly underscores the growing global appeal and development of women's football. Such international fixtures not only provide competitive exposure for players but also raise the profile of the sport, attracting new fans and fostering greater investment in women's football infrastructure. As the Super Falcons embark on this crucial test in Portugal, Nigerian fans will be keenly watching, hoping for a strong performance that signals their readiness for the challenges ahead in Morocco.
Source@BBC