How Super Falcons’ Preparation Disrupted by Delayed Kit Clearance in Morocco

How Super Falcons’ Preparation Disrupted by Delayed Kit Clearance in Morocco

By Niyi Busari 

The Super Falcons of Nigeria continue to train in outdated gear at the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, as their official training kits remain held up by Moroccan customs authorities, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Despite assurances from Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau last weekend that the issue would be resolved by Friday or Saturday, the team is still without access to the new kits, which were shipped by Nike over a week ago.

“The kits are currently in Casablanca but have not been cleared by Moroccan customs,” a team official told PUNCH Sports Extra. “DHL Global has attempted to facilitate the release and delivery to the team’s hotel but has so far been unsuccessful.”

Efforts by NFF representatives to resolve the impasse have included outreach to officials of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) in Rabat. However, progress remains stalled.

“Every country has its own processes—sometimes they’re straightforward, and other times they’re cumbersome,” said the official, expressing cautious optimism that the situation would be resolved soon.

UK-based Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana also confirmed on Sunday that the shipment remains in the custody of Morocco’s customs and excise authority, Administration des Douanes et Impôts Indirects (ADII), even as Nigeria has already completed its group stage fixtures.

“The kits arrived over a week ago and are still sitting in the customs warehouse. The NFF is still actively working to get them released,” Obayiuwana noted.

The delay has forced the Super Falcons to continue their WAFCON campaign using old match jerseys and improvised training attire—an uncomfortable and potentially demoralizing situation for a team representing one of Africa’s most successful football nations.