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Nigeria’s bid to defend their continental crown will not begin in March as planned after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced a change to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations calendar, Footynaija reports.
The competition, scheduled to be staged in Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026, has been pushed back to 25 July – 16 August 2026. The North African nation had been awarded hosting rights in October 2024, and preparations were believed to be on course before the late adjustment.
CAF confirmed the development in an official statement, saying:
“After discussions between CAF and its partners, FIFA and other stakeholders, CAF has decided to reschedule the dates of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2026, to 25 July – 16 August 2026; to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforseen circumstances.
“Preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2026 are underway and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful.”
Although CAF did not provide specific details about the ‘unforseen circumstances’, the decision comes amid wider administrative and political tensions within African football. Reports in recent weeks have pointed to disagreements following the men’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, as well as changes in CAF’s leadership structure. However, no direct link has been officially confirmed.
For the Nigeria women’s national football team, the shift alters timing rather than ambition. The Super Falcons remain Africa’s most decorated side and are targeting an 11th continental title. They recently underlined their readiness with a 3-1 friendly win over Cameroon, as Chinwendu Ihezuo, Rinsola Babajide and Michelle Alozie found the net.
Back to winning ways 💪🏽#CMRNGA #TheQueens pic.twitter.com/WNAvylj0XB
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) March 3, 2026
The postponement may offer additional preparation time, but it also interrupts competitive rhythm. Beyond lifting the trophy, the stakes are even higher: WAFCON 2026 doubles as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic tickets.
Nigeria’s mission is therefore clear. When the tournament finally kicks off in July, the champions will aim not only to defend their crown, but also to secure their place on the global stage once again.
