Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) have encountered a slight setback after midfielder Deborah Abiodun and forward Gift Monday were unable to join the Super Falcons’ training camp in Casablanca on schedule due to travel disruptions.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) disclosed that the duo’s flight from the United States was cancelled because of a technical fault, leaving them stranded. The federation has since secured alternative flight arrangements to ensure they arrive in Morocco as soon as possible.
Despite the delay, the Super Falcons camp received a boost on Tuesday with the arrival of striker Folashade Ijamilusi from China, increasing the number of players in camp to 23.
The Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng forward landed in Casablanca shortly before 3 p.m. Ijamilusi was one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the previous WAFCON, scoring two goals, including the equaliser in the Super Falcons’ dramatic 3-2 comeback 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 intensify ahead of the tournament.
The reigning African champions have continued training at La Noria Club in Casablanca before their planned move 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 for Saturday, July 25.
Nigeria, Africa’s most successful women’s national team with a record 10 WAFCON titles, will begin the defence of their crown against Malawi on July 28. They will then face Zambia on August 1 before rounding off the group stage against Egypt on August 5.
The 2026 WAFCON will also serve as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will automatically qualify, while one additional team will secure a place through the intercontinental play-offs.