The Ghana women’s national football team concluded their pre-2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) preparations with a 3-1 defeat to continental powerhouse Nigeria, in a friendly encounter held at the Lanoria Complex on Sunday.
Despite entering the match on the back of two consecutive victories — a 2-1 win over Botswana followed by a 4-2 triumph against Benin — the Black Queens were unable to maintain their momentum against the experienced Super Falcons.
Nigeria opened the scoring in the 34th minute through Chiwendu Ihezuo, before captain Asisat Oshoala doubled the lead from the penalty spot just before the break. Rasheedat Ajibade added a third early in the second half to put the result beyond doubt. Ghana managed a consolation goal in the 88th minute.
The match offered head coach Kim Lars Björkegren an opportunity to assess his squad’s readiness ahead of the tournament, which kicks off in Morocco next month.
Ghana have been drawn into Group C, where they will face Mali, Tanzania and defending champions South Africa. The Black Queens will be making their 14th appearance at the WAFCON as they continue their quest for a maiden continental title.
Nigeria, 11-time champions of the tournament, will begin their Group B campaign on 6th July against Tunisia, before taking on Botswana and Algeria.
