Super Falcons in limbo as uncertainty surrounds 2026 WAFCON
Nigeria women's national football team remain in a state of uncertainty as doubts persist over whether the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will proceed as scheduled on March 17 in Morocco.
With less than two weeks to the proposed kickoff, Confederation of African Football is yet to finalise key aspects of the tournament, including confirmation of knockout venues, accreditation for journalists, appointment of match officials, and organisation of media and technical workshops. Reports also suggest that security deployment to competition venues in Morocco has not commenced.
The Super Falcons recently concluded a two-legged friendly series against Cameroon, losing 1-0 in the first leg before bouncing back with a 3-1 victory in Yaoundé. However, the team may require additional preparation time ahead of their title defence.
Speculation over the tournament’s status intensified in February when South African lawmaker Peace Mabe suggested that South Africa had replaced Morocco as hosts. The country’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, later clarified that the remarks were premature, while CAF denied any hosting crisis.
Moroccan reports indicate that the country had sought a postponement to complete its domestic league season, which was disrupted by the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and other continental competitions. French outlet L’Équipe reported that CAF was considering delaying the tournament, while Jeune Afrique cited sources suggesting a possible shift to July or August, either in Morocco or another host nation.
McKenzie has since alleged that any delay could be politically motivated, arguing that women’s football should not be treated lightly. UK-based Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana also reported that senior CAF officials remain uncertain about the tournament’s fate, though an official statement is expected within 24 hours.
The 2026 WAFCON will double as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with four semi-finalists earning automatic tickets and another African side entering a playoff route.
A postponement, however, could provide Nigeria additional time to build cohesion. Midfielder Jennifer Echegini, who scored the decisive goal in the last WAFCON final against Morocco, recently admitted that preparation time remains limited but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to overcome challenges.
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