PSG and Benfica star joins criticism of CAF over WAFCON 2026 postponement

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Rasheedat Ajibade has expressed her frustration after the Confederation of African Football postponed the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigeria women's national football team captain took to X to react shortly after CAF confirmed the competition would no longer start in March as initially planned.

CAF announced that the tournament, originally scheduled to take place from March 17 to early April in Morocco, will now be played from July 25 to August 16, 2026, after consultations with stakeholders, including FIFA.

PSG's Ajibade reacts to CAF’s WAFCON postponement

Ajibade did not hide her disappointment following the announcement, with her post on X (formerly Twitter) suggesting African women’s football deserves better treatment.

The Nigerian captain posted a short but pointed message that quickly gained traction among fans and media outlets.

“African women football deserves better.” she wrote with an angry emoji.

The competition holds significant importance for several African nations as it plays a role in the qualification pathway toward the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, making the sudden change even more disruptive for teams.

Christy Ucheibe: Benfica star joins criticism

Her international teammate Christy Ucheibe quickly joined Ajibade in expressing her disappointment with the situation.

The Benfica midfielder criticised the decision and stressed that players deserve greater respect for their commitment to the women’s game.

“It’s actually disrespectful to what we represent! We deserve respect.” wrote Ucheibe.

Their reactions add to a growing list of players speaking out after the postponement, including fellow Super Falcons star Ashleigh Plumptre and forward Rinsola Babajide, who both criticised the handling of the tournament earlier this week.

Attention will shift to teams adjusting their preparation schedules ahead of the new date in July/August date.