Ghana’s national women’s football team, the Black Queens, are currently stranded in the United Arab Emirates after a dramatic escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict forced authorities to ground flights across the region.
The squad, consisting of 25 players and 16 officials, arrived in Dubai on 25 February for the Pink Ladies’ Cup.
The four-nation invitational was intended as a vital warm-up for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to kick off in Morocco on 17 March.
However, the team’s sporting mission has been overshadowed by regional instability.
Following reports of Iranian missile strikes affecting parts of the UAE on Saturday evening, aviation authorities moved swiftly to close the country’s airspace, leaving the Ghanaian delegation in a state of limbo.
While the Queens are based in the city of Sharjah and remain physically unharmed, the reality of the conflict is uncomfortably close.
Players have reported that areas impacted by the tensions are visible within a short distance of their hotel.
In response to the shifting security situation, team officials have instructed all members to pack their belongings and remain on high alert for a potential evacuation.
The disruption comes at a frustrating time for head coach Kim Lars Björkegren’s side. The Queens had enjoyed a commanding start to the tournament, delivering a 4-0 thrashing of Hong Kong in their opening fixture on Saturday.
The Pink Ladies’ Cup was designed to fine-tune the squad’s tactics ahead of the Morocco tournament, but those preparations are now on indefinite hold as the team awaits a window to return home.
The Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is closely monitoring the developments in the Gulf.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Embassy in the UAE has issued a formal advisory to all nationals, urging them to stay calm despite the visible military activity and to avoid all non-essential travel within the country.
The embassy is currently reviewing evacuation protocols should the airspace remain closed, ensuring that contingency plans are ready for all citizens currently in the region.
As the international community calls for de-escalation, the Black Queens remain confined to their hotel, trading the football pitch for a waiting game in Sharjah.
Source: Ekow Segu
