Super Falcons players are expected to start arriving in camp in Ikenne, Ogun State, ahead of their upcoming pre-WAFCON double-header friendlies against Senegal.

The Nigeria Football Federation announced head coach Justine Madugu’s 23-player squad for the matches which come after the 10-time African champions missed other windows to prepare for the 2026 WAFCON.

Madugu’s list includes captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and veteran forward Asisat Oshoala.

Midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene also retained her place in the squad after returning during the recent friendlies against Cameroon following a three-year absence, while forwards Francisca Ordega and Gift Monday were also called up.

Belarus-based Blessing Nkor returns to the squad after last featuring in the friendly against France in November 2024, while Turkey-based midfielder Kafayat Shittu also earned another invitation after impressing for Giresun Sanayispor Kulübü.

Another returnee is London City Lionesses defender Rofiat Imuran, who has not featured for the Super Falcons since the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Also included in the squad are home-based goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, Israel-based defender Sikiratu Isah, defender Tosin Demehin, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde and Toni Payne, as well as forwards Folashade Ijamilusi and Joy Omewa.

The trio of Christy Ucheibe, Shukurat Oladipo and Rinsola Babajide, who all won titles with their clubs during the recently concluded season, also made the squad.

The Super Falcons will host Senegal on Friday, June 5, with a second match between both teams scheduled for Monday, June 8. Both games will take place at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne-Remo.

Senegal will face hosts Morocco, Algeria and Kenya in Group A of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Morocco from July 25 to August 16, while 10-time champions Nigeria will take on Egypt, Zambia and debutants Malawi in Group C.

The two friendly matches are expected to form part of Nigeria’s preparations for the continental tournament as Madugu continues to assess his squad ahead of the competition.

Tens of thousands of Arsenal fans put aside their pain at missing out on European glory as the club on Sunday celebrated its first Premier League title since 2004 with a parade in London.

Reams of Gunners supporters lined streets in the north of Britain’s capital to watch their heroes show off the Premier League trophy from the upper deck of an open-top bus.

Decked out in the club’s famous red-and-white colours, the fans chanted, cheered, waved flags, and set off flares as they reveled in being champions of England for the first time in 22 years.

Some climbed trees, roofs and traffic lights in the hope of catching a glimpse of Mikel Arteta’s side.

The good-natured celebrations were in stark contrast to scenes of violence witnessed in France overnight, where revelry following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League win over Arsenal was marred by unrest.

Hundreds of people were arrested across France following clashes with police, burglary, and vandalism.

“I’ve waited a long time (for this),” 67-year-old Steven Turner, wearing a red Arsenal hat and attending the parade with his daughter, said.

“I was a little bit disappointed and sad yesterday. But they played very well. I’m still very happy to be here—very proud of the team,” he added.    Arsenal were confirmed Premier League champions on 19 May when second-placed Manchester City drew at Bournemouth.

They had been hoping for a double celebration by following up the league success with a first Champions League trophy in the club’s 140-year history.

But the English giants suffered heartbreak in Budapest on Saturday by losing on penalties to PSG as the French club were crowned European champions for the second season running.

Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes missed penalties in the shoot-out after the match finished 1-1 after extra time.

Kai Havertz had fired Arsenal into an early lead before Ousmane Dembele equalised from the spot for the French side in the second half.

Arsenal’s Premier League title came after the club finished runners-up in the league for the previous three seasons.

Nick Randall, who works in retail, was only nine years old when Arsenal last won England’s top flight.

He drove from Manchester, some 200 miles (320 kilometres) away, with his partner and baby for Sunday’s party.

“Overwhelmed” was how he described his feelings.

“We haven’t had a team like this for 15 years. I felt fine yesterday, a bit sad, but we won the Premier League still,” he said.

Williams Ayodeji, who grew up in Nigeria, travelled from the Scottish capital Edinburgh for the parade.

“I am so happy. It’s been 22 years. I was a baby last time. I love this team. They are part of my life,” he said.

The 36-year-old Uber driver said winning the Premier League was “a good start” that could hopefully propel Arsenal to Champions League glory next season.

Sarah Ball, 47, said she shed a tear when Arsenal lost in Budapest but felt “very proud” of her team.

“It would have been nice to have a double, but we won the Premier League, so happy with that,” she said.

The parade started shortly after 2:00 pm (1300 GMT) and was due to take two hours to complete a nine-kilometre (5.6-mile) route close to the club’s Emirates Stadium in the area of Islington.

Four buses formed part of the celebration, including one carrying Arsenal Women, who won the inaugural Women’s Champions Cup in February.

Enzo Fernandez wants to leave Chelsea after they failed to qualify for Europe, but the club will ask for £120m for the Argentina midfielder.

The 25-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for £107m, is under contract until 2032, which is reflected in the potential fee.

The World Cup winner remains part of the club’s planning for next season, but Chelsea would consider offers that meet their valuation.

After scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists last season, Fernandez finished runner-up in Chelsea’s player of the season award.

Javier Pastore, Fernandez’s agent, is exploring potential destinations, notably his preferred option of Real Madrid.

Alternatives include Manchester City – who are expected to appoint former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola’s successor in the coming days – but their priority is signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

Meanwhile, French club Paris St-Germain have downplayed the likelihood of a transfer despite having been linked with a move.

Real are known to be unwilling to pay Chelsea’s asking price unless they are able to raise significant funds in player sales, having also been linked with a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

Senior figures at Stamford Bridge accept they will need to invest in established, Premier League-ready talent for new manager Xabi Alonso after a disappointing season in which Chelsea finished 10th and without a trophy.