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Super Falcons Criticise CAF Over Latest WAFCON Postponement, Demand Respect for Women’s Football

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 8th, 2026.

Super Falcons players have voiced frustration after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) postponed the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), calling the decision disrespectful and embarrassing for African women’s football.

The tournament, initially scheduled in Morocco from March 17 to early April, has now been pushed to July 25–August 16, 2026, following CAF’s consultation with stakeholders, including FIFA. The official reason cited was logistical and organisational challenges.

For many players, this delay is just the latest in a series of disruptions. The 2020 WAFCON was cancelled entirely, while the 2024 edition was postponed to 2025.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Rasheedat Ajibade, the team captain, expressed her disapproval on social media: “African women football deserves better,” accompanied by an angry emoji. Her teammate at Benfica, Christy Ucheibe, added, “It’s actually disrespectful to what we represent! We deserve respect.”

Al-Ittihad defender Ashleigh Plumptre emphasised the double standard in treatment, noting, “It just wouldn’t happen for other tournaments in women’s football, and especially in men’s football.” Forward Rinsola Babajide was blunt in her reaction: “It’s actually embarrassing at this point.”

Plumptre also highlighted the importance of this edition, which will feature 16 teams for the first time and serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. “Many teams haven’t even participated in AFCON before, let alone had the chance to qualify for a World Cup. It’s also vital for their financial support,” she said.

Acknowledging the ongoing uncertainty, Plumptre added that players have learned to take things day by day. “Many of us just have to go with it because we have no other choice,” she said.

The collective reaction underscores a growing concern among players that repeated disruptions signal a lack of seriousness and respect for women’s football at the continental level, calling for greater commitment and stability from CAF.