JFF clarifies reason for Nigeria cancellation

Following numerous reports online that the Reggae Girlz withdrew from their proposed international women’s friendly against African champions Nigeria Super Falcons later this month due to 'administrative issues', the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has come out to deny the claim.

In a release from the federation, "to clarify and correct" those recent reports, the JFF insists the two games against the African champions were not cancelled due to any 'administrative issues', while explaining that the cancellation was a result of the games being scheduled outside the FIFA international window.

"Contrary to reports suggesting that the fixture was cancelled due to ‘administrative issues’ on the part of Jamaica, the facts are as follows," read the release.

It noted that the Unity Cup organisers extended an invitation to the Girlz to participate in a proposed match against the Falcons as part of the launch of activities for Unity Cup 2026 in the United Kingdom and that the proposed dates for the fixtures were May 27, 28, or 30. The dates that fall outside of the official FIFA Women’s International Window, which runs from June 1 to June 9, 2026. 

"As a result, clubs would not have been obligated under FIFA regulations to release players for international duty during the proposed period," read the release.

The release revealed that this concern was communicated to the organisers from day one, but that discussions continued in good faith in the hope that a suitable arrangement could still be reached. 

"At no point was the matter related to administrative shortcomings on the part of the Jamaica Football Federation," it said.

The release noted that the JFF's relationship with the Unity Cup organisers and the Nigeria Football Federation remains positive and, in tact, they remain open to the possibility of arranging a future game between the two teams, during an approved FIFA international window. 

"The Jamaica Football Federation remains committed to ensuring that all international engagements involving our national teams are conducted in accordance with FIFA regulations, and in the best interest of our players and programme development," it concluded.