Super Falcons strengthen squad in Casablanca as Folashade Ijamilusi joins teammates ahead of Group C campaign
Nigeria’s Super Falcons arrive in Casablanca with forward Folashade Ijamilusi added to the squad; NFF covers travel for Abiodun and Monday after ticket cancellations.
The Nigeria Super Falcons continued to assemble their squad in Casablanca on Tuesday as forward Folashade Ijamilusi arrived to join preparations for the upcoming Group C fixtures. Ijamilusi, who competes in China’s domestic league, flew into the team hotel shortly before 3pm and joined the Falcons’ training cycle in Morocco.
The arrival followed travel complications for two squad members, with the Nigeria Football Federation purchasing replacement tickets for midfielder Deborah Abiodun and forward Gift Monday after their original flight from the United States was cancelled for technical reasons. Both players were rebooked and subsequently joined the team’s preparations in Casablanca.
The ten-time African champions have maintained training sessions at La Noria Club while finalizing logistics for a move to Rabat, where they will face Malawi, Egypt and Zambia in Group C. A formal team arrival meeting with Confederation of African Football officials and the Local Organising Committee is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, ahead of the Falcons’ opening match against Malawi on Tuesday, July 28.
Ijamilusi completes late addition to Super Falcons roster
Folashade Ijamilusi arrived in Casablanca on Tuesday afternoon to link up with the Super Falcons ahead of the group stage. The forward, who plays club football for Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng in China, joined the squad at their team hotel and was immediately integrated into training routines.
Ijamilusi brings recent tournament pedigree to the side, having been a junior international and scoring twice at the last edition of the championship. Her goals included a crucial equalizer in a memorable 3-2 comeback victory over Morocco in that tournament’s final, a performance that underlined her ability to influence high-stakes matches.
The coaching staff indicated that her arrival strengthens attacking options and provides additional depth ahead of a compact group schedule. Team sources described the signing-on as timely, giving the Falcons another experienced forward capable of rotating through the squad without disrupting established tactical plans.
NFF steps in after travel disruption for two players
Travel disruptions affected the Falcons’ travel plans when Deborah Abiodun and Gift Monday were informed at the airport that their flight from the United States had been cancelled for technical reasons. The Nigeria Football Federation responded by purchasing fresh tickets to ensure both players reached Morocco without further delay.
Abiodun and Monday were promptly rebooked and their arrivals were coordinated to minimize impact on training and team bonding. Federation officials emphasized that player welfare and full squad availability remain priorities as the tournament approaches, and that contingency travel arrangements are standard practice in international competitions.
The swift handling of the cancellations removed potential scheduling uncertainty for the coaching staff. With both players now present in Casablanca, squad selection discussions can proceed with all likely options available to the technical team.
Training at La Noria Club focuses on match readiness
The Super Falcons have held consistent training sessions at La Noria Club in Casablanca since their arrival, using the facilities to prepare tactically and physically for the group stage. Sessions have concentrated on sharpening offensive patterns, defensive organization and transitions to match the styles of Malawi, Egypt and Zambia.
Coaching sessions have also featured set-piece work and fitness drills designed to ensure peak conditioning for the tournament’s condensed schedule. Players reported positive morale within the camp, citing productive training environments and a clear focus on executing the staff’s game plans.
Team medical and sports science staff have remained engaged, monitoring recovery and workload as players adapt to travel and the local climate. The NFF has prioritized controlled training loads to reduce injury risk while maintaining competitive intensity.
Logistics and schedule ahead of move to Rabat
With group matches scheduled in Morocco’s administrative capital, the Falcons are finalizing travel and accommodation plans ahead of their transfer to Rabat. The team’s off-field preparations have included travel briefings, venue inspections and coordination with tournament organizers to ensure a smooth transition between cities.
Match preparations will shift toward opponent-specific studies as the move approaches, with scouting reports on Malawi, Egypt and Zambia informing tactical adjustments. The Falcons’ technical staff plan to use the remaining days in Casablanca for focused drills before relocating to the match hub.
Organizers have scheduled a team arrival meeting with Confederation of African Football and the Local Organising Committee for Saturday, July 25, which will confirm logistical details, match protocols and accreditation. That meeting is expected to clear outstanding administrative requirements and align the Falcons with tournament procedures.
Group C expectations and competitive outlook
Nigeria enters Group C as holders and ten-time continental champions, carrying expectations of progression from a pool that includes Malawi, Egypt and Zambia. The Falcons will face Malawi in the opening match, an encounter that will test their readiness and cohesion after recent travel interruptions and late squad additions.
Malawi, Egypt and Zambia each present distinct challenges: Malawi’s physicality and direct approach, Egypt’s tactical organization and Zambia’s athleticism all require careful preparation. The Falcons’ blend of experience and recent reinforcements, including Ijamilusi’s arrival, aims to address those varied threats across the group stage.
Coaching staff have emphasized match-by-match focus and the importance of consistent performances in both attack and defense. With a compact schedule, early points and squad management will be crucial to ensure advancement to the knockout phase.
The Nigeria Football Federation has worked to minimize disruption and maintain squad stability during the final lead-up to competition. By resolving travel issues and integrating returning players, the federation aims to present a fully prepared and mentally ready team for the Group C fixtures.
Preparations will continue in Casablanca through the middle of the week before the Falcons travel to Rabat for the remainder of the group campaign. The team’s opening fixture against Malawi is set for Tuesday, July 28, and all attention within the camp is on converting training ground work into competitive results on matchday.
