• Super Admin
• 08 Mar, 2026

Players of the Super Falcons of Nigeria have criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the latest postponement of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with captain Rasheedat Ajibade and several teammates describing the move as an embarrassment for women's football on the continent. Naija News reports that CAF announced the postponement of the 2026 WAFCON on Thursday, March 5. The tournament was rescheduled from March 17 to July 25, 2026. The grand finale is scheduled for August 16. CAF said the decision followed consultations with stakeholders, including FIFA, citing unexpected logistical and organisational challenges. The postponement adds to a growing list of frustrations surrounding the competition. The 2020 edition was cancelled, while the 2024 tournament was moved to 2025 before the latest rescheduling. Ajibade, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain Féminine, did not hide her disappointment. "African women's football deserves better," she posted on 𝕏, accompanied by an angry emoji. Her Super Falcons teammate Christy Ucheibe, who features for S.L. Benfica (women's football), also questioned the decision. "It's actually disrespectful to what we represent! We deserve respect," Ucheibe wrote. Defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who plays for Al‑Ittihad Club (women's football), told BBC's Match of the Day that such disruption would be unlikely in other competitions. "It just wouldn't happen for other tournaments in women's football, and especially in men's football. Last WAFCON wasn't less important than this one just because it wasn't a qualification for a World Cup," she said. Forward Rinsola Babajide was even more direct. "It's actually embarrassing at this point," she posted on 𝕏. Plumptre, however, acknowledged the scale of the upcoming competition. The 2026 edition will feature 16 teams for the first time and will serve as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. "This is the first time it's the edition where there are 16 teams, all of which are going to want to be able to go and qualify for the World Cup. This is a significant concern for many teams. Many of them haven't even been in the AFCON before, never mind having the chance to qualify for a World Cup. It also helps them financially," she said. The defender admitted the uncertainty has forced players to adjust. She said, "There are so many things I've had to get accustomed to, and many other players in African football where you kind of just have to go with it because you have no other choice." Source: https://www.naijanews.com/2026/03/08/super-falcons-players-blast-caf-over-latest-wafcon-postponement/