EBOLA TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS DELAY COPPER QUEENS TRIO'S RETURN TO NWSL CLUBS

17.10.2026 | Football DNA

Copper Queens stars Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji and Prisca Chilufya face a delayed return to club duty in the United States following their participation in Zambia's Olympic qualifier against Uganda.

According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), the three Zambian internationals are subject to a 21-day waiting period under U.S. public health travel protocols introduced in response to Ebola concerns in parts of East Africa.

Banda, who plays for Orlando Pride, Kundananji of Chicago Stars and Chilufya of Angel City FC, were part of the Copper Queens squad that travelled to Kampala for the first leg of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifier on October 8.

In a statement issued on Friday, the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) confirmed that several players who participated in the recent international window were observing U.S. government public health re-entry requirements.

The league explained that it was working closely with the affected clubs and U.S. immigration authorities to facilitate the players' safe return.

Importantly, the NWSL confirmed that all affected players were in excellent health, emphasising that the restrictions were precautionary and related to travel history rather than any reported illness among the players.

The travel complications follow Zambia's successful qualification for the next round of the Olympic qualifiers.

The Copper Queens suffered a 2-1 defeat to Uganda in Kampala before producing an impressive comeback to win the return leg 4-1, securing a 5-3 aggregate victory.

The result booked Zambia a place in the third round, where they will face Ghana in February 2027.

Meanwhile, the delayed return of the three players comes at a crucial stage of the NWSL season, with just two regular-season matches remaining before the playoffs.

Their respective clubs could therefore be forced to navigate important fixtures without the Zambian internationals while the travel requirements remain in effect.

Credit: Associated Press News.