Travel Disruption Delays Key Super Falcons Players
Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) hit a minor snag when midfielder Deborah Abiodun and forward Gift Monday were stranded after their flight from the United States was cancelled due to technical issues. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) acted quickly, purchasing new tickets to get the pair back on track to Morocco.
Squad Numbers Rise Despite the Setback
On Tuesday, the Super Falcons’ camp in Casablanca grew to 23 players with the arrival of forward Folashade Ijamilusi from Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng in China. Ijamilusi, who scored twice at the previous WAFCON — including the equaliser in Nigeria’s thrilling 3‑2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco — touched down shortly before 3 p.m.
Next Steps for the Defending Champions
Abiodun and Gift Monday are expected to join the squad soon, completing coach Justine Madugu’s 25‑player roster. The team continues training at La Noria Club in Casablanca before moving to Rabat, where they will face Malawi, Zambia and Egypt in Group C.
The Super Falcons’ official arrival meeting with Confederation of African Football (CAF) officials and the Local Organising Committee is scheduled for Saturday, July 25. Nigeria will open their title defence against Malawi on July 28, then take on Zambia on August 1 and conclude group play against Egypt on August 5.
As ten‑time African champions and the most successful women’s national team on the continent, the Super Falcons remain focused on retaining the WAFCON trophy.
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