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Players of Nigeria’s women’s national team, the Nigeria women’s national football team, have criticised the Confederation of African Football following the latest postponement of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that team captain Rasheedat Ajibade and several of her teammates described the decision as embarrassing for women’s football on the African continent.
CAF announced on Thursday, March 5, that the 2026 WAFCON would no longer begin on March 17 as earlier scheduled. The competition has now been moved to July 25, with the final slated for August 16, 2026.
According to CAF, the decision followed consultations with stakeholders, including FIFA, citing unexpected logistical and organisational challenges.
The latest development adds to a series of disruptions that have affected the continental tournament in recent years. The 2020 edition was cancelled, while the 2024 tournament was earlier moved to 2025 before the new postponement.
Ajibade, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain Féminine, expressed disappointment over the decision.
“African women’s football deserves better,” she posted on 𝕏, accompanied by an angry emoji.
Her teammate, Christy Ucheibe, who plays for S.L. Benfica (women), also questioned the decision by the continental body.
“It’s actually disrespectful to what we represent! We deserve respect,” Ucheibe wrote.
Defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who plays for Al‑Ittihad Club (women), told Match of the Day that such disruptions would rarely occur in other major 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 also criticised the postponement.
“It’s actually embarrassing at this point,” she wrote on 𝕏.
Plumptre, however, acknowledged the significance of the upcoming tournament. 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.
“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 repeated uncertainty has forced many players to constantly adjust to changing schedules.
“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 added.
