Ashleigh Plumptre blasts CAF over last-minute WAFCON 2026 postponement

Mar 7, 2026 - 09:00

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the governing body postponed the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) less than two weeks before the competition begin, Soccernet.ng reports.

CAF recently confirmed that the tournament, initially scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3 in Morocco, has been moved to July 25 to August 16, 2026, citing “unforeseen circumstances” following consultations with stakeholders, including FIFA.

The decision has sparked widespread criticism across African football, with several stakeholders questioning the timing of the announcement and the disruption caused to national teams already preparing for the tournament.

Ashleigh Plumptre criticises CAF over WAFCON 2026 postponement

Plumptre joined the growing list of voices expressing concern about the handling of the situation, sharing her frustration during an interview circulated on social media by BBC Match of the Day.

Ashleigh Plumptre talks to teammate Blessing Demehin during the extra time of the round of 16 match between England and Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brisbane, Australia. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

The Nigerian international argued that postponing a major tournament so close to kickoff reflects poorly on the organization of women’s football on the continent.

Explaining her disappointment, Plumptre suggested that such disruption would rarely happen in other major competitions.

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

The former Leicester City defender also revealed the importance of the tournament, particularly because the upcoming edition will feature 16 teams for the first time.

Nigeria Super Falcons star Ashleigh Plumptre (L). Copyright: Imago

She stressed that the competition carries significant weight for several nations hoping to establish themselves on the continental stage.

She added: “Many teams haven’t even been in AFCON before, never mind had the chance to qualify for a World Cup.”

Players forced to adapt as WAFCON preparations disrupted

Reports earlier in the week indicated that the Super Falcons had already begun their build-up to the tournament and were expected to continue preparations following recent international fixtures.

Ashleigh Plumptre and Osinachi Ohale of Nigeria during the 2025 Women s Africa Cup of Nations WAFCON quarter Finals match between Nigeria and Zambia. Photo by Mansa Ayoola Copyright: IMAGO

The postponement has therefore raised concerns about player release agreements with clubs, travel arrangements, and training schedules, all of which had been organised around the original March calendar.

Despite the disappointment, Plumptre acknowledged that players have little choice but to adjust to the new situation.

“All I can do is take it day by day and prepare myself the best way that I can.” Plumptre said.

With the competition now rescheduled for July and August, attention will turn to how participating teams reorganise their preparation programmes ahead of the continental showpiece.