CAF Faces Heat As Super Falcons Slam WAFCON Postponement

Players of the Super Falcons of Nigeria have expressed strong criticism of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the latest postponement of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and several teammates described the delay as a setback for women’s football on the continent, raising concerns about the treatment of female athletes.

According to Ireporter Online, CAF announced on Thursday, March 5, that the tournament, originally scheduled to begin on March 17, 2026, has been rescheduled to start on July 25, with the final now set for August 16. The football governing body cited consultations with stakeholders, including FIFA, and pointed to unexpected logistical and organisational challenges as reasons for the postponement.

The latest delay adds to a series of disruptions affecting the competition. The 2020 WAFCON was cancelled entirely, while the 2024 edition was previously moved to 2025. Ajibade, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain Féminine, expressed her disappointment on , stating, “African women’s football deserves better,” accompanied by an angry emoji.

Midfielder Christy Ucheibe of S.L. Benfica also voiced her frustration, questioning the decision on social media: “It’s actually disrespectful to what we represent! We deserve respect.” Defender Ashleigh Plumptre of Al‑Ittihad Club told BBC’s Match of the Day that such disruptions would be unlikely 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 just because it wasn’t a qualification for a World Cup,” she said.

Forward Rinsola Babajide described the postponement as “actually embarrassing” on . Despite the criticism, Plumptre acknowledged the importance of the 2026 edition, which will feature 16 teams for the first time and serve as a qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. “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 added.

Plumptre further noted that the uncertainty has forced players to adapt. “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 explained.