Ghana's senior women’s national football team, the Black Queens, found themselves amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, specifically in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where they were participating in an invitational tournament. Concerns over their safety escalated following reports of military actions, airspace closures, and flight cancellations in the region, prompting urgent responses from Ghanaian authorities.

The 25-player squad, accompanied by 16 officials, had arrived in Dubai on February 25 to compete in the Pink Ladies Cup, a four-nation invitational tournament. This event was crucial for the team's preparations for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2026, scheduled to kick off in Morocco on March 17. The team successfully played its first game against Hong Kong on Saturday, securing a decisive 4-0 victory.

However, later that Saturday night, the situation in the region took a critical turn with the outbreak of the Israel-Iran conflict. This led to retaliatory strikes, with reports indicating that parts of Dubai experienced Iranian missile strikes, affecting some hotels and sections of the airport. In response, several nations, including Qatar and Kuwait, closed their airspace, and the UAE announced the closure of its airspace and the subsequent cancellation of all flights to and from the country. This left the Black Queens potentially stranded and sparked widespread concern back in Ghana.

Upon receiving the alarming news, team officials swiftly instructed the players, who are lodged at the Four Points by Sheraton in Sharjah—a port city just outside Dubai—to pack their belongings as a precautionary measure. Players confirmed seeing impacted areas approximately 10 to 15 minutes away from their hotel, despite their immediate surroundings not being directly affected. Confined to their rooms, the players expressed anxiety and uncertainty. One player remarked, "We have all finished packing and are awaiting further communication from the officials," while another noted the unusual scene: "The irony is that while we are packed and ready to leave, more people are trooping into the hotel. The lobby is crowded."

The Ghanaian government quickly mobilized to address the crisis. Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, released a statement on Sunday, March 1, reassuring the nation of the team's safety and security. Mr. Ablakwa confirmed direct communication with the team's leadership and emphasized that Ghana’s diplomatic mission in the UAE was actively on the ground, providing full consular support to the delegation. He stated in a Facebook post, "In this turbulent moment, the safety and welfare of all Ghanaians, particularly those currently in the Middle East, remains our utmost priority," aiming to quell growing concerns at home.

Additionally, Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Saturday, indicating it was assessing the situation regarding the possible evacuation of Ghanaian nationals in affected areas. Ghana’s Embassy in the UAE also advised all Ghanaians in the country to remain calm and avoid unnecessary travel. The unforeseen circumstances have cast a shadow over the remaining matches of the Pink Ladies Cup, with games against Russia (scheduled for Tuesday) and Tanzania (scheduled for Friday) now appearing to be in jeopardy.