Super Falcons stars left in tears after disgraceful welcome in Abuja

The eleven-time African champions did the nation proud with the feat in Cameroon, but they were faced with a bizarre situation on their return

The Super Falcons on Nigeria beat Ivory Coast 1-0 on Wednesday to secure a ticket to the upcoming 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.

Still, on their return to Nigeria, they were held hostage at the Nnamdi Azikiwe airport for over four hours for no just reason.

The Super Falcons left Abidjan immediately after their 3-0 aggregate triumph over Ivory Coast and considering their feat, it would be only expedient that they received a warm welcome back.

But that was not the case, as the team was not allowed to leave the airport for over four hours due to “Covid-19 testing issues.”

They had beaten #IvoryCoast 3-0 on aggregate to qualify for the 2022 African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) & departed Abidjan Wednesday night.

But @NCDCgov prevented players & officials of @NGSuper_Falcons from leaving the Abuja Airport upon arrival – citing COVID test issues🤔 pic.twitter.com/LaF7TOeXXV

— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) February 24, 2022

Assistant captain Onome Ebi took to Twitter to share her displeasure at the treatment she and her teammates were passing through.

I’ve never experienced such in my life. Abuja international Airport locked Super Falcons players at the airport 😡😡😡 pic.twitter.com/Brv8vBCN5V

— ONOME EBI (@EBIONOME) February 24, 2022

Also, UNAL Tigres star Uchenna Kanu was left in tears at the situation and had to be consoled by teammate Rasheedat Ajibade.

It’s sad how NFF treat the Super Falcons, the most decorated National Team in Africa.

They were stranded for over 3 hours on their arrival to Nigeria, locked inside the airport by NCDC officials despite Covid test from Abidjan & no NFF delegate to welcome them.

This is so sad pic.twitter.com/kBSq4mutAP

— POOJA… (@PoojaMedia) February 24, 2022

Francesca Ordega was also displeased by their predicaments and complained bitterly.

NCDC, Immigration, Airport and NFF officials… una see how e dey go?

Francisca Ordega with the last word 😡 🎬🔚pic.twitter.com/Ss3dMu4cZl

— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) February 24, 2022