Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has expressed disappointment over the decision by the Confederation of African Football to postpone the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, describing the move as unfair to players and national teams who had already begun preparations for the competition.
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CAF recently confirmed that the tournament, which was initially scheduled to take place earlier in the year in Morocco, has been moved to July 25 – August 16, 2026 following consultations with stakeholders including FIFA.
Reacting to the development, Plumptre said such last-minute changes rarely occur in other major international competitions.
“It’s disappointing because this kind of thing usually doesn’t happen with other competitions,” Plumptre said.
The Nigeria women’s national football team defender stressed that continental tournaments should have stable schedules to allow teams and players plan properly.
“Competitions should be consistent and not moved from one date to another at short notice,” she added.
Plumptre noted that players often structure their club and national team commitments months in advance, meaning sudden calendar changes can create major disruptions.
“Players prepare physically and mentally for these tournaments and changes like this make things difficult,” she explained.
Despite her frustration, the defender insisted that the players will remain focused and ready whenever the competition eventually takes place.
“At the end of the day we still have to stay prepared and do our best when the tournament begins,” she said.
Plumptre has become one of the key defenders for the Super Falcons in recent years and is expected to play an important role as Nigeria aims to maintain its dominance in African women’s football.
The Super Falcons remain the most successful team in WAFCON history and will be among the favourites when the tournament finally kicks off next year.
