Thursday came quickly and with it, my prepared questions for both the Nigeria and Zambia pre-match press conferences. I booked a ride to the stadium, which also happens to be the match venue, cereal in my belly and my materials packed, ready for the day.
When the driver dropped me off, the gate was closed. It honestly didn’t look like anything was happening there. Panic? Not quite. Because once again, Dr. Ademola to the rescue! I’m beginning to think I should rename him Superman. He directed me to the correct entrance, just the other side of the stadium.
I knocked, got in, and took some pictures and videos. Because, why not? They say “document your journey,” and I’m obeying. With the press room directions all over the place, I eventually found it. And finally more English-speaking people! Nigerian journalists here for the same mission. After exchanging hugs and greetings, I began setting up.
Wait, I forgot to mention. My tripod broke this morning. Fell down and just snapped. So I had to wait for Joy to arrive with hers so I could use it.
The press conference started with Nigeria and Coach Justin Madugu and Ashleigh Plumptre were present. We’re honestly lucky to have Ashleigh in the national team. She’s not only a fantastic player but also a genuinely great human being.
As for what was said during the presser, I won’t spoil it for you. If you missed it, check it out on our X handle because it was streamed live. And while you’re at it, pause and follow us across all our platforms. No excuses.
Welcome back! Now that you’re following us, you won’t miss a single WAFCON update because we’ve got you covered till the final whistle of the tournament.
So, I kept raising my hand, eager to ask my question. But the CAF personnel didn’t pick me, not once, but twice. I had to ask myself: was I not smiling enough? Why didn’t she pick me? Yes, I asked her. She apologized and said it’s hard to get to everyone. In my mind, I was like: “But me, I’m not everyone, oh.”
She promised to ensure I get a chance at the post-match interview. Fingers crossed.
Next stop was food. We went back to our new jollof joint. This time, I ordered chips and chicken, had to try it at least once.
From there, we headed to Joy’s hotel, then planned to move to Nigeria’s training ground, and then Zambia’s afterwards.
But once again, the language barrier struck. After countless canceled rides and moments of “Do you speak English?”, we were stuck. Time was going. Panic and anger set in. Why did CAF take them that far? Why weren’t media buses provided? And why, oh why, did I stop for food?
All these questions flooded in my head. Even if we found a ride now, it was clear we wouldn’t make Nigeria’s training on time. Eventually, a red cab helped us reach another spot where we got a ride, but by then, it was too late. We canceled the plan and rerouted to Zambia’s training instead.
The cab driver, Anis, was helpful. He speaks a bit of English, slowly, but it works. I have a feeling he’ll be a lifesaver in the coming days.
Now, guess what Anis did when we got to the training ground? I won’t tell you here. Drop your guesses in the comments or on our social handles. Who knows, you might win something. (Just kidding… or not.)
Anyway, we sat down and I finished my food. I hadn’t eaten during all the ride stress. After explaining to my team why I missed Nigeria’s training, I calmed down a bit. Later, we confirmed that Zambia had arrived, and after showing our accreditations, we got in.
We had to wait for the official media time slot, but once everything aligned, we did our thing, photos, videos, interviews. All up on our X page. Go check it out.
While waiting earlier, I met Ali, a Kenyan based in the UK who covers African football. He was at the men’s AFCON in 2023 (yes, the one where Nigeria lost to Côte d’Ivoire) and now he’s here for the Super Falcons. We even recorded a preview together, don’t miss it!
After that, I tried recording a practice session of myself reporting, but the heat wasn’t helping. My stomach was rumbling too.
Booked another ride. Cancelled again.
Finally got one, the driver understood a bit of English thanks to his kids. He said they speak better than he does. Bless them.
I got to my stop and passed by the supermarket to grab something that would stay in my stomach till the next day, plus some snacks like chocolate and strawberry cake. (Self-care, please!)
Back to my room. Ate while working. Showered after everything, don’t judge me. If I had showered first, I might have just passed out and done nothing. No evidence, but trust me.
Oh! Before bed, I had to go pick up a roommate flying in from Nigeria. We chatted, planned our next day’s movement, and I did a bit of work. I finally slept around 3 a.m.
Before then it hit me, I still didn’t get the bread today.
Tomorrow is match day. With the nerves and the to-do list ahead, I doubt bread will be at top of my mind.
But hey, you never know.
