Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has shared her thought following the decision by Confederation of African Football (CAF) to postpone the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) that was slated for Morocco.

The African body said in a statement released on Thursday it was rescheduling the tournament to July due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

“It just wouldn’t happen for other tournaments in women’s football and especially in men’s football.”

Super Falcon, Ashleigh Plumptre reacts to the postponement of the Women’s AFCON.

pic.twitter.com/1tgk7HlHJu

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) March 6, 2026

The WAFCON, which this year doubles up as a qualifier for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, was scheduled to be held from 17 March to 3 April.

“It can’t happen to men’s football’

“It just wouldn’t happen for other tournaments in women’s football, especially in men’s football,” Plumptre told the BBC.

“The last WAFCON wasn’t less important because it wasn’t qualification for a World Cup, but obviously this is a chance for teams to qualify for the World Cup.”

“It’s the first time the tournament will have 16 teams, all of which will want the chance to qualify for the World Cup, and that’s a big deal for many teams.

“Many teams haven’t even played at WAFCON before and have never had the opportunity to qualify for a World Cup. It also helps them financially.”

WAFCON tourney moved to July

CAF’s decision to reschedule the tournament was confirmed in a statement which read in part: “In October 2024, CAF granted hosting rights for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to Morocco and this tournament was scheduled for 17 March to 3 April 2026.

“After discussions between CAF and its partners, FIFA and other stakeholders, CAF decided to reschedule the dates of the WAFCON 2026, to 25 July – 16 August 2026; to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.

“Preparations for the CAF WAFCON 2026 are underway and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful.”

The tournament will now be held from 25 July-16 August.

Nigeria are the defending champions after beating Morocco 3-2 in the 2024 final in Rabat. In Morocco, they were drawn alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi.

WAFCON: Super Falcons defender Plumptre reacts to CAF decision to postpone tournament

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has expressed disappointment following the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to postpone the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) that was scheduled to take place in Morocco.

CAF announced in a statement released on Thursday that the tournament would be moved to July due to what it described as “unforeseen circumstances.” The competition was initially scheduled to run from 17 March to 3 April 2026, but it will now take place later in the year.

The decision has sparked discussions across women’s football in Africa, with players and fans questioning the timing of the announcement and its impact on teams preparing for the tournament.

Plumptre questions the timing of CAF’s decision

Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Plumptre did not hide her frustration about the postponement of the continental tournament.

The Nigerian international suggested that such a situation would rarely occur in men’s football and believes women’s competitions deserve the same level of organization and respect.

“It just wouldn’t happen for other tournaments in women’s football, especially in men’s football,” Plumptre said.

According to the defender, the WAFCON is a crucial competition for African teams, particularly because it serves as a qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

She stressed that the importance of the tournament goes beyond continental pride, as it also provides opportunities for many national teams to compete on the global stage.

Importance of the expanded WAFCON tournament

The upcoming edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be historic as it will feature 16 teams for the first time. This expansion is expected to give more countries the opportunity to participate and potentially qualify for the World Cup.

Plumptre highlighted how significant this opportunity is for emerging teams across Africa.

“The last WAFCON wasn’t less important because it wasn’t qualification for a World Cup, but obviously this is a chance for teams to qualify for the World Cup,” she explained.

The defender also pointed out that many national teams have never previously participated in the tournament, meaning the new format could open doors for several nations.

“It’s the first time the tournament will have 16 teams, all of which will want the chance to qualify for the World Cup, and that’s a big deal for many teams,” she added.

Beyond sporting ambitions, the tournament also provides financial opportunities for players and football associations.

“Many teams haven’t even played at WAFCON before and have never had the opportunity to qualify for a World Cup. It also helps them financially,” Plumptre noted.

CAF confirms new dates for WAFCON in Morocco

CAF later confirmed that the tournament will now take place between 25 July and 16 August 2026 in Morocco.

In its official statement, the governing body explained that the decision was made after consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders involved in organizing the event.

“In October 2024, CAF granted hosting rights for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to Morocco and this tournament was scheduled for 17 March to 3 April 2026,” the statement read.

“After discussions between CAF and its partners, FIFA and other stakeholders, CAF decided to reschedule the dates of the WAFCON 2026 to ensure the success of this important women’s competition.”

CAF also emphasized that preparations for the tournament are continuing and that organizers remain confident the competition will be a success.

Nigeria preparing to defend their title

Nigeria will enter the tournament as the defending champions after winning the previous edition of the competition.

The Super Falcons secured the title in 2024 after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final in Rabat, further extending their record as the most successful team in the history of the competition.

For the upcoming tournament, Nigeria have been drawn in a challenging group alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi.

With the new dates confirmed, teams across Africa will now adjust their preparation schedules as they aim to secure qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Despite the controversy surrounding the postponement, the WAFCON remains one of the most important tournaments in African women’s football and will continue to play a key role in the development of the sport across the continent.