Confederation of African Football (CAF) acting Secretary-General Samson Adamu has explained the reasons for pushing the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to a later date in a move aimed at ensuring optimal conditions for teams and players.
Adamu said that the adjustment follows careful evaluation of logistical and organisational challenges that could have affected the tournament’s overall quality.
He explained that the postponement was necessary to guarantee smooth planning and execution.
“It is regrettable that the competition was delayed, I must say. The reason we delayed was that there were circumstances beyond us at the time that would not permit us to have the best competition possible, and also after having a very successful Africa Cup of Nations for the men,” he said on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa.
He added, “It was very important that the Women’s AFCON is organised under the right and perfect conditions for the women. What is deserving for this competition, especially the competition that is qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Sometimes, little discomfort for the greater good is exactly what we did, and this is why the competition has been moved now to July, and we will organise the competition as it has been planned in Morocco, and it is going to be a very good and special competition, and we already had inspection visits. We already had a plan, so it is going to be a really good competition.”
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are gearing up to defend their throne at the tournament, eyeing a record-breaking 11th WAFCON title. The team, fresh from their Morocco triumph, are hungry for more glory and a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.