If someone had told me back in June that I’d be writing this from Morocco, I would’ve given them a bombastic side-eye. Me? In Morocco? Nah. But here I am, and I owe it to the incredible people I work for. The absolute best.
Since May, when I was in Ikenne covering the NWFL Super Six, I’ve travelled more than I have in the past seven to eight years combined. So, when my boss said, “We’re working towards you going to Morocco,” I stared in disbelief. “Is this a joke? For real??”
But it all started happening, accreditation hustle, visa process, flight bookings… all of it. And while I was kabashing and praying hard, hoping everything would go smoothly, the love from my family, friends, mentors, and colleagues kept me going. Everyone was super excited when they heard the news, but honestly, it hadn’t sunk in. I was overjoyed, but didn’t even know how to express it.
My flight was scheduled for 6:50 AM WAT, so I left Ojo, where I stay, a day earlier to crash at a friend’s place near the airport. With my ticket, accommodation, and logistics sorted, I just needed to rest and get to the airport by 3 AM for check-in. But sleep? Impossible. I kept counting the hours, replaying how the flight might be, thanks to all the movies I’ve seen.
By 1 AM, I was up, asking my friend to help book a ride to the airport. After some delay, we finally got one and headed to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Terminal 2. I kept asking myself: “Am I really travelling out of Nigeria? Me?”
We arrived in under 30 minutes. Check-in was smooth. The airport staff were kind and helpful, one even teased me about being a Manchester United fan after seeing my press ID. Somehow, United keeps making people pity me, even at the airport.
After saying goodbye to my friend, I moved through final immigration, shout-out to the officers there for making it seamless for a first-timer. Before I knew it, I was at the boarding gate. Sitting there, it hit me: I’m actually about to travel out of Nigeria.
Then my seat number was called.
As I walked through the gate and saw the smiling cabin crew, I whispered, “Wow, this is real.” I found my window seat (yes, the window!) and sat down. I’m not big on pictures, but trust me, I took photos and videos. I needed evidence o! How else would people believe I flew for the first time?
First time on a plane and it’s to Morocco for WAFCON 🛫
— Amy. (@amara_faitho) July 14, 2025
Can’t wait to experience it all, football, culture, and history in the making.
You should be following @acl_sports YES YOU🫵#YourSportsMemo #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 #ACLSportsWAFCON #AmyInMorocco pic.twitter.com/DonrPPZVJ9
The plane took off. As we left the ground, I felt the rumble in my body while I said my prayers. Even now, I still hear that sound in my head. But the flight? Seamless. Peaceful. I couldn’t thank God enough. First flight and international trip, and everything went smoothly from Lagos to Casablanca.
The food? Hmm. Let’s just say I didn’t know what I was eating, but I tried it, because why not? I watched some downloaded YouTube videos, slept a bit, took more videos, then slept again. Soon, they announced we were about to land at the Mohammed V Airport Casablanca, Morocco.
Touchdown in Casablanca.
I said a prayer, grabbed my bags, and stepped out to breathe in Moroccan air for the first time. At passport control, things went fine. I picked up my luggage, exchanged some cash, bought a SIM card, and set off to get my accreditation.
Now, I’d never used Bolt, Uber, or inDrive before, so I downloaded all of them on the spot. I got a ride to Rue Kaid Al Achtar near Stade Mohammed V. My driver, Khalid, was cool. We talked about his love for Victor Osimhen and why Hakimi deserves the Ballon d’Or. I just soaked it all in.
In less than six minutes, I had my accreditation tag in hand. And yes, I took a picture. Who else will I show to prove it really happened?
Still dragging my luggage, I booked another ride, this time to my hotel. After a few traffic stops, I finally arrived, checked in, and headed to my room. The first thing I did? Collapse onto the bed and just… breathe. Everything I had hoped and prayed for, it actually happened.
Of course, I unpacked first (I’m that kind of person). Took a warm bath. And then, boom! I saw a mosquito. I was like, “Wait oh, Morocco has mosquitoes too? Or did this one follow me from Naija?” I tried to kill it. It escaped. Still haven’t seen it again sha.
Then came the food hunt. With Google Maps and a bit of Google Translate, I found a nearby shop, bought snacks, drinks, and of course, bread. I’m a proud bread lover. It wasn’t Agege-soft, but it wasn’t bad.
Back in my room, I called family and friends again, ate, did some work, and finally laid down for the night. I told myself: This is the beginning of a beautiful story in my life. Grace found me, and I must hold on to it with everything I have.
Oh, and before I go, have I mentioned how different the weather and night-time feels here? That’s a story for day two.
