Nigeria Super Falcons, Lionesses train over 2 hours away from match venue amid scheduling chaos

Preparations for the much-anticipated international friendly between Nigeria’s Super Falcons and neighbours Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses have been disrupted by logistical challenges, forcing both teams to train far from the match venue.

Tha encounter scheduled to take place at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, the build-up to the game has been complicated by scheduling changes and a revised date. 

More significantly, neither team was able to access the pitch at the Abeokuta stadium for their final training sessions, as observed by Pulse Sports Nigeria.

Instead, both Nigeria and Cameroon were directed to conduct their preparations in Ijebu Ode, a town located more than two hours away from the match venue. 

This means that on matchday, both teams will face an unusual and lengthy road trip before kickoff, an uncommon scenario for a high-profile international fixture involving two of Africa’s top women’s football teams.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to provide an official explanation for the lack of pitch access or the intriguing training arrangements. 

The situation raises concerns about matchday organisation for Nigeria’s senior women’s team, player welfare, and the nation’s readiness to host international matches at alternate venues.

Despite the disruptions off the pitch, the Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, are keen to maintain their dominance over their fierce rivals, Cameroon. 

Meanwhile, the Indomitable Lionesses, who are also in good spirits ahead of the game, will look to capitalise on any signs of disarray within the Nigerian camp.

Kickoff is scheduled for 4 pm at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, with Nigerians hoping that the logistical chaos does not overshadow what promises to be an exciting and fiercely contested encounter on the pitch.