DUBAI, UAE – Members of Ghana’s national women’s football team, the Black Queens, have been left stranded in the United Arab Emirates following the sudden closure of airspace and the cancellation of all international flights due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
The team, consisting of 25 players and 16 officials, arrived in Dubai on Wednesday, February 25, to participate in the Pink Ladies’ Cup. The four-nation tournament was intended as a crucial warm-up for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026, scheduled to kick off in Morocco on March 17.
The Queens began their campaign on a high note Saturday, defeating Hong Kong 4-0. However, the victory was overshadowed by reports of Iranian missile strikes targeting parts of Dubai later that evening. Local reports indicate that sections of the airport and several hotels were affected by the strikes.
Anxiety at the Team Base
The Ghanaian contingent is currently lodged at the Four Points by Sheraton in Sharjah, a city adjacent to Dubai. While the hotel itself has not been hit, players have expressed deep concern as the sounds and sights of the conflict remain dangerously close.
“We have all finished packing and are awaiting further communication from the officials,” one player told Joy Sports. “The irony is that while we are packed and ready to leave, more people are trooping into the hotel. The lobby is crowded.”
Another player noted that while their immediate surroundings remain intact, they can see impacted areas approximately 10 to 15 minutes away from the hotel.
Tournament in Jeopardy
The Black Queens were scheduled to face Russia on Tuesday, followed by a final clash against Tanzania on Friday. However, with the UAE airspace closed indefinitely and the security situation volatile, the remainder of the tournament appears to be in jeopardy.
Team officials have reportedly instructed all members to keep their luggage packed in anticipation of a possible emergency evacuation.
Government Response
In a statement issued on Saturday, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is monitoring the situation and assessing the feasibility of evacuating Ghanaian nationals from the region. Ghana’s Embassy in the UAE has urged all citizens to remain calm, stay indoors, and avoid non-essential travel.
The situation remains fluid as international airlines continue to divert or cancel flights across the Middle East. For the Black Queens, the focus has shifted from tactical preparation for WAFCON to ensuring a safe return home as the regional conflict intensifies.
