Super Falcons Criticise WAFCON Delay
Last update: March 8, 2026
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Super Falcons knocks CAF for moving 2026 WAFCON from March to July...
Players of Nigeria’s Super Falcons have criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the latest postponement of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with captain Rasheedat Ajibade and several teammates describing the decision as damaging to women’s football on the continent.
CAF announced on March 5 that the 2026 WAFCON would no longer begin on March 17 as earlier scheduled.
The tournament has now been moved to July 25, 2026, with the final set to take place on August 16.
The continental football body said the postponement followed consultations with stakeholders, including FIFA, citing unexpected logistical and organisational challenges.
The decision has further added to frustrations surrounding the competition in recent years.
CBI News reports that the 2020 edition was cancelled, while the 2024 tournament was postponed to 2025 before the latest adjustment to the 2026 schedule.
Ajibade, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain Féminine, openly expressed her disappointment with the development.
“African women's football deserves better,” she wrote on 𝕏, accompanied by an angry emoji.
Her teammate, Christy Ucheibe of S.L. Benfica (women's football), also criticised the decision, suggesting it undermines the players and what they represent.
“It’s actually disrespectful to what we represent! We deserve respect,” Ucheibe posted.
Defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who features for Al‑Ittihad Club (women's football), told BBC’s Match of the Day that such disruptions would rarely occur 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 in her reaction, writing on 𝕏, “It’s actually embarrassing at this point.”
Despite the criticism, Plumptre acknowledged the significance of the upcoming tournament.
The 2026 edition will feature 16 teams for the first time and will also serve as part of the 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 explained.
The defender added that the uncertainty has forced many players in African football to adapt to circumstances beyond their control.
“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,” she said.
