Travel Trouble Hits Super Falcons As Stars Miss Camp

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) have encountered a minor setback after travel disruptions delayed the arrival of midfielder Deborah Abiodun and forward Gift Monday at the Super Falcons’ training camp in Casablanca, Morocco.

According to Ireporter Online, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that both players were unable to make their scheduled trip after their flight from the United States was cancelled due to technical issues.

The federation disclosed that alternative travel arrangements were immediately made, with fresh flight tickets secured to ensure the players continue their journey to Morocco and join the rest of the squad.

Despite the disruption, the Super Falcons camp received a boost on Tuesday with the arrival of forward Folashade Ijamilusi from China, bringing the number of players in camp to 23.

Ijamilusi, who plays for Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, arrived in Casablanca shortly before 3 p.m. and is expected to play a key role in Nigeria’s campaign after impressing at the previous WAFCON, where she scored twice, including the crucial equaliser in the Super Falcons’ dramatic 3-2 victory over hosts Morocco in the final.

Abiodun and Gift Monday are expected to complete head coach Justine Madugu’s 25-player squad as preparations continue for the continental championship.

The defending champions have been training at the La Noria Club in Casablanca before relocating to Rabat, where they will compete in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt.

The team’s official arrival meeting with officials of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 25.

Nigeria heads into the competition as Africa’s most successful women’s national team and defending champions, having won the WAFCON title a record 10 times.

The Super Falcons will begin their title defence against Malawi on July 28 before facing Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5 in their final group-stage fixture.

The 2026 WAFCON will also serve as Africa’s qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification, while one additional nation will secure a place through the intercontinental play-offs.