Football • 6h ago
PSG and Benfica star joins criticism of CAF over WAFCON 2026 postponement
**CAF's WAFCON 2026 Postponement Sparks Outrage Among African Footballers**
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the postponement of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), leaving many African footballers frustrated and disappointed. The decision to reschedule the tournament from March to July/August 2026 has sparked a heated debate on social media, with several players expressing their discontent.
Among the vocal critics is Rasheedat Ajibade, the captain of the Nigerian women's national team and a star player for Paris Saint-Germain. Ajibade took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her disappointment, saying "African women football deserves better." Her post quickly gained traction among fans and media outlets, with many echoing her sentiments.
Ajibade's frustration is shared by her international teammate Christy Ucheibe, who plays for Benfica. Ucheibe criticized the decision, saying it's "disrespectful to what we represent" and that players deserve greater respect for their commitment to the women's game.
The postponement of the WAFCON 2026 has significant implications for African teams, as it affects their qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. Many players, including Ashleigh Plumptre and Rinsola Babajide, have criticized the handling of the tournament, highlighting the need for better planning and communication.
As teams adjust to the new schedule, attention will shift to preparations for the rescheduled tournament. However, the postponement has already sparked a lively debate about the treatment of African women's football. With several high-profile players speaking out, it remains to be seen how CAF will respond to the growing criticism.
For many Nigerians who are passionate about women's football, the postponement of the WAFCON 2026 is a setback. The tournament has been a source of pride for the country, with the Super Falcons consistently performing well. As the African football family looks ahead to the new schedule, it's clear that there's a pressing need for better planning and respect for the women's game.