Rasheedat Ajibade has joined the growing list of players expressing frustration after the Confederation of African Football postponed the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations just days before the tournament was due to begin.
The Nigeria women’s national football team captain reacted strongly after Confederation of African Football confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will no longer kick off on March 17 as initially scheduled.
CAF announced that the competition has been moved to a new window from July 25 to August 16**, forcing teams to alter plans less than two weeks before the tournament’s original start date.
Ajibade voiced her disappointment on social media shortly after the announcement, criticising the late decision and its implications for women’s football across the continent.
“African women football deserves better. 😡”
The sudden postponement has sparked widespread concern among players, national teams and supporters, particularly as several squads had already begun final preparations for the tournament.
Many teams had arranged training camps, logistics and travel plans ahead of the competition, which serves as Africa’s premier women’s football tournament and a key platform for showcasing talent across the continent.
Ajibade’s reaction echoes broader criticism from within the women’s game about the organisation and planning surrounding major competitions in Africa, with players calling for improved scheduling and greater respect for the women’s calendar.
The postponement also disrupts preparations for Nigeria, record champions of the tournament, who were expected to be among the favourites in Morocco as they continue their push for another continental title.
Leave feedback about this