Defending champions Nigeria will face Ghana in a high-stakes friendly on Saturday as they intensify preparations for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday.

The 10-time African champions opened their training camp in Casablanca on Monday, focusing on final preparations before their Group C opener against Malawi in Rabat on Tuesday, July 28.

By lunchtime on Tuesday, 10 players had checked into the team’s hotel in the Moroccan economic hub, with more arrivals expected in the coming days.

Star midfielder Toni Payne, who recently signed for Inter Milan Women from Everton Ladies, is scheduled to join the squad on Wednesday.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Justine Madugu, the Super Falcons headed to Stade el Arbi Zaouli after lunch on Tuesday for their first training session on Moroccan soil.

The squad currently at Hotel Marriott includes captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Fatima Oloko, defenders Oluwatosin Demehin, Glory Ogbonna, Christy Ucheibe, Shukurat Oladipo and Rofiat Imuran, midfielder Jennifer Echegini, and forward Asisat Oshoala.

The friendly against the Black Queens of Ghana will also be staged at Stade el Arbi Zaouli with a 4pm kick-off.

Ghana were the runners-up when Nigeria hosted and won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 1998.

Following the Ghana encounter, Nigeria will tackle Malawi on 28 July, Zambia on Saturday 1 August, and Egypt on Wednesday 5 August in Group C.

The Super Falcons enter the competition as clear favourites, aiming to extend their dominance in women’s football on the continent.

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All four semi-finalists at the Morocco finals will automatically qualify for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The fifth-placed team will advance to an intercontinental playoff tournament early next year to battle for the remaining spot.