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The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco has kicked off, but several Nigerian journalists, including members of the News Central crew, were noticeably absent from the opening ceremony and the Super Falcons’ first match.
This absence, sources say, stems from bureaucratic delays at the Moroccan Embassy in Nigeria—despite intervention by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Reports indicate that visa processing for Nigerian journalists has been marred by inconsistency and a lack of urgency. Although the NFF stepped in to assist, providing supporting documents such as letters for visas on arrival, only a handful of selected individuals appeared to be prioritised for visa stamping—regardless of their scheduled travel dates.
Journalists who followed due process and submitted their passports well in advance—many of whom are based in Lagos—have incurred significant expenses rescheduling flights multiple times due to delays beyond their control.
Despite the confusion, efforts are ongoing. The NFF’s protocol team, led by their representative in Abuja, has been making frantic attempts to retrieve passports in time.
Unfortunately, repeated assurances that visas would be ready by midweek fell through, resulting in further disappointment and financial strain.
With Nigeria’s Super Falcons aiming for another historic run at WAFCON, the absence of full Nigerian media representation in the tournament’s early stages is both symbolic and troubling. It underscores the urgent need for better coordination between host country embassies and continental sports governing bodies in handling accreditation and visa processing for major tournaments.
While it remains unclear whether the affected Nigerian journalists will eventually make it to Morocco, the damage is already evident—in missed coverage opportunities, strained professional relationships, and growing distrust.
