The 2026 WAFCON has been postponed just days before it was scheduled to begin. The tournament was originally set to take place from 17 March to 3 April in Morocco.
This one of the most important events in African women’s football and was also expected to serve as a key qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the top four teams earning automatic qualification.
CAF confirmed the postponement in an official statement, explaining that the decision was made after discussions with FIFA and other stakeholders.
In its statement, CAF offered very little explanation for the rescheduling, but stated that it was in order to ensure the success of the competition due to unforeseen circumstances.
The decision has sparked criticism from several players and stakeholders in women’s football across the continent.
Nigerian forward Rinsola Babajide reacted on X shortly after the announcement, describing the situation as embarrassing.
Former Super Falcons star, Desire Oparanozie also expressed her disappointment in an interview with BBC Sport, stating that repeated disruptions like this continue to affect women’s football.
Oparanozie said she was worried about the message such decisions send about the importance placed on the women’s game.
She noted that it often feels as though women’s football does not receive the same level of attention or priority as the men’s game.
The former Forward also highlighted the personal impact on players who had already begun serious preparations for the tournament.
According to Oparanozie, many players put their lives on hold to focus on representing their countries, and prolonged uncertainty can demoralise them.
Despite the criticism, the postponement could also present some positives for teams and players.
The delay gives national teams more time to prepare for the competition.
Coaches now have additional opportunities to evaluate their squads, test new players and experiment with tactical approaches before the tournament eventually takes place.
Several friendly matches have already been played across the African continent as teams continue their preparations.
Cameroon and Nigeria faced off over two legs in an international friendly.
While Morocco, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin Republic and Kenya also featured in tune up games.
The postponement may be particularly beneficial for teams making their first appearance at the tournament, such as Malawi women’s national football team and Cape Verde women’s national football team.
With more time available, these teams can better prepare for the level of competition they will face in their debut at the continent’s biggest women’s football event.
Also read: ‘I’m Nigerian!’ – Rinsola Babajide Reveals Why She Snubbed England
From an organisational perspective, the delay could also give CAF and its partners more time to strengthen the tournament off the pitch.
Additional time allows for improved planning in areas such as sponsorship, commercial partnerships, marketing and media promotion.
If properly utilised, this period could help increase the visibility of the competition and further promote the growth of women’s football across Africa.
Although the postponement has created frustration and disappointment among players and fans, it also offers an opportunity for better preparation.
The hope now is that when the tournament eventually takes place, it will deliver a stronger and more successful edition that properly showcases the talent and progress of women’s football in Africa.
