The backlash against the last-minute postponement of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations continues to grow, with Super Falcons players and coaches across the continent openly criticising the decision by the Confederation of African Football.
With the tournament delayed just 12 days before kickoff, several leading figures in African women’s football say the move has not only disrupted logistics but also taken a serious psychological toll on players and coaches.
Ajibade Leads Players’ Outrage
Captain of the Nigeria women’s national football team, Rasheedat Ajibade, was among the first high-profile players to react publicly.
The forward, who plays club football for Paris Saint-Germain Féminine, shared her frustration shortly after CAF confirmed that the competition would no longer begin in March.
Taking to social media platform X, Ajibade wrote a short but pointed message that quickly gained traction among fans and media outlets.
“African women football deserves better.”
Her reaction highlighted the widespread disappointment among players who had spent months preparing for the continental showpiece.
Babajide Calls Situation “Embarrassing”
Another member of the Super Falcons squad, Rinsola Babajide, was even more blunt in her criticism.
The AS Roma Women forward described the situation as deeply frustrating after extensive preparation for the tournament.
“It’s actually embarrassing at this point.”
Babajide also described the postponement as a “bitter pill to swallow,” highlighting the emotional impact on players who had been building toward the competition for months.
She later suggested that the strong backlash from players represents “the face of a mounting demand for better governance and respect” for women’s football across Africa.
Ucheibe Demands Respect for Players
Midfielder Christy Ucheibe also joined the criticism, stating that female players deserve greater recognition and professionalism from governing bodies.
The S.L. Benfica (women) star posted a strongly worded response following the announcement.
“It’s actually disrespectful to what we represent! We deserve respect.”
Ucheibe resonates with many players across Africa who feel women’s competitions often receive less organisational attention than men’s tournaments.
Plumptre Questions CAF’s Organisation
Super Falcons defender, Ashleigh Plumptre added her voice to the growing criticism, questioning how such a major tournament could be postponed so close to kickoff.
Speaking in an interview circulated on social media, the former Leicester City Women F.C. player argued that similar disruptions would rarely occur in other competitions.
“It just wouldn’t happen for other tournaments in women’s football and especially in men’s football.”
Plumptre also spoke on the significance of the upcoming tournament, which will feature 16 teams for the first time.
She stressed that the competition offers smaller football nations a rare opportunity to compete at the highest level.
“Many teams haven’t even been in AFCON before, never mind had the chance to qualify for a World Cup.”
Despite the frustration, Plumptre acknowledged that players must adapt to the new schedule.
“All I can do is take it day by day and prepare myself the best way that I can.”
Coaches Across Africa Join the Debate
The criticism has not been limited to players.
Head coach of South Africa women’s national football team, Desiree Ellis, openly questioned the handling of the situation during a radio interview.
She suggested that such a scenario would be unlikely in men’s football.
“Do you think this would happen in the men’s game? After 7 March we can’t keep players in camp. It’s not a FIFA date.”
She shared a broader perception within the sport that women’s football competitions are not always managed with the same level of professionalism as their men’s counterparts.
Disruption to Teams and Preparation Cycles
The postponement of the tournament, originally scheduled for 17 March to 3 April 2026 in Morocco has forced teams to drastically readjust their preparation plans.
The competition will now take place from 25 July to 16 August.
From a sporting perspective, the delay could significantly affect performance levels.
Teams that had built momentum earlier in the year must now recalibrate training cycles and tactical planning to peak five months later.
Players who were in top form early in 2026 may struggle to maintain that level by August, while others could face injuries, club conflicts or fluctuating form during the extended waiting period.
Read More: Here’s the Real Reason Why WAFCON 2026 Postponed Just 12 Days Before Kickoff
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Read More: REVENGE COMPLETED: How Super Falcons Showed Cameroon Who The Boss is in Yaoundé
High Stakes for World Cup Qualification
The stakes surrounding the tournament make the disruption even more significant.
The 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will also serve as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the top four teams securing automatic spots.
Critics have therefore described the postponement as “a lack of professional foresight,” given the competition’s importance for African nations seeking a place on the global stage.
