Super Falcons hit by fresh travel chaos as key duo rerouted before Wafcon title defence

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been hit by fresh travel disruption just days before they begin the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) crown in Morocco, with two key players forced to reroute their journey after a flight cancellation caused by bad weather.

The Nigerian camp confirmed on Wednesday evening that midfielder Deborah Abiodun and forward Gift Monday were compelled to alter their travel plans and fly to Boston, Massachusetts, from where they are now due to connect to Casablanca on Thursday afternoon.

“Another cancelled flight (this time due to bad weather situation), and Super Falcons stars Deborah Abiodun and Gift Monday have had to travel to Boston (State of Massachusetts) from where they will fly into Casablanca on Thursday afternoon,” the team stated on its official channel.

The latest setback means the pair will link up with the squad later than originally planned, as head coach Justin Madugu works to finalise preparations for Nigeria’s push for an 11th continental title.

Late arrivals disrupt fine-tuning plans

Abiodun and Monday had been expected to arrive earlier in the week to integrate fully into tactical sessions and team drills ahead of the 2026 tournament, which will be staged in Morocco.

Instead, adverse weather conditions forced the cancellation of their scheduled flight, triggering a last-minute change of route and extending their travel time.

Their delayed arrival adds to logistical complications for Madugu, who is seeking to assemble a fully settled squad before Nigeria’s title defence begins.

The Super Falcons are among the favourites for the competition, having claimed the Wafcon trophy a record ten times, and are under pressure to reassert their dominance on the continent after recent challenges from emerging rivals.

Squad in camp grows to 23 players

Despite the disruption, the Nigerian camp in Casablanca has continued to fill up.

The Super Falcons now have 23 players in training following the arrival of forward Folashade Ijamilusi, who has boosted options in attack as the coaching staff ramp up preparations.

Training sessions in Morocco have focused on fitness, tactical organisation and set-piece routines, as Madugu and his backroom team work to refine their game plan with the opening fixture looming.

Officials are hopeful that once Abiodun and Monday finally arrive from Boston and settle in after their long journey, the full group can complete at least one full session together before competitive action begins.

Tanzania friendly to replace cancelled Ghana test

Nigeria will complete their Wafcon build-up with a final warm-up match against Tanzania on Thursday in Casablanca.

The fixture was arranged after a proposed test game against Ghana was called off, denying Madugu’s side what would have been a high-profile West African contest.

The Tanzanian encounter will now serve as the Super Falcons’ last opportunity to experiment with line-ups, assess player combinations and sharpen match rhythm before the tournament kicks off.

Coaches are expected to use the friendly to give minutes to as many squad members as possible, particularly those who have joined camp late, in a bid to ensure readiness across the group.

Champions aiming to overcome off-field hurdles

Nigeria’s preparations for major tournaments have often been overshadowed by off-field difficulties, including administrative issues, travel complications and scheduling problems.

This latest episode of weather-related travel disruption is another unwelcome hurdle, but team officials insist the focus remains firmly on performance on the pitch.

With the Super Falcons targeting yet another Wafcon triumph in Morocco, the coming days will be crucial as the squad seeks stability, cohesion and momentum in spite of the challenges that have marked their journey to North Africa.