Chairman of the Benue State Football Association and owner of Naija Ratels, Paul Edeh, has supported the decision by the Confederation of African Football to postpone the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, describing it as the best move for the competition.
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CAF recently announced that the tournament, initially scheduled to take place earlier in the year, has been rescheduled to July 25 to August 16, 2026 in Morocco to ensure better planning and organization.
Edeh acknowledged that the decision has caused disappointment among some players and teams who had already been preparing for the tournament.
“I understand the frustration and disappointment from some players and teams,” Edeh said.
However, the football administrator believes that the postponement will ultimately benefit the competition by allowing organizers and participating nations to prepare more effectively.
“The decision gives room for better planning of the competition,” he added.
Edeh emphasized that large tournaments such as WAFCON require careful coordination among stakeholders, including national teams, clubs, and international football bodies.
According to him, taking extra time to properly organize the event will help deliver a more successful tournament for African women’s football.
“There is no cause for concern because the extra time will help improve the quality of the event,” he explained.
The administrator also stressed that African women’s football continues to grow rapidly and deserves well-structured competitions that match its rising standards.
“The important thing is to ensure the tournament is properly organized,” Edeh said.
The rescheduled WAFCON will serve as one of Africa’s biggest women’s football events and will also play a crucial role in determining qualification pathways for future global competitions.
