WAFCON 2026: Ijamilusi Arrives as Super Falcons Camp Grows to 23, Flight Delays Abiodun, Gift Monday

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) received another boost on Tuesday as forward Folashade Ijamilusi arrived at the Super Falcons’ camp in Casablanca, Morocco, taking the number of players in camp to 23.

Ijamilusi, who plays for Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng in the Chinese Women’s Super League, touched down in Casablanca shortly before 3:00 p.m. local time and immediately linked up with her teammates at the Marriott Hotel.

The former Nigeria youth international was one of the standout performers at the last WAFCON, scoring twice during the tournament, including the Super Falcons’ crucial equaliser in their thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the final.

However, the arrival of the full squad has been delayed after travel disruptions affected two key players.

Midfielder Deborah Abiodun and forward Gift Monday were unable to travel from the United States after their scheduled flight was cancelled because of technical issues. The duo reportedly arrived at the airport only to be informed that the flight would not depart.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has since secured fresh flight tickets for both players, who are now expected to arrive in Morocco as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the defending champions have maintained the intensity of their preparations with daily training sessions at La Noria Club in Casablanca.

The Super Falcons will later move to Morocco’s administrative capital, Rabat, where they will play their Group C fixtures against Malawi, Egypt, and Zambia as they begin their quest for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.

Nigeria is also scheduled to attend the official team arrival meeting with officials of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee on Saturday, July 25, before opening their campaign against Malawi next Tuesday.