WAFCON postponement frustrating – Nnadozie

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has expressed disappointment over the postponement of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, PidomNigeria Sports Extra reports.

The tournament, initially scheduled for March 17 to April 3, has been rescheduled by the Confederation of African Football to July 25 to August 16.

The competition has experienced disruptions in recent editions, following the cancellation of the 2020 tournament, while the 2024 edition was held in 2025.

The 2026 tournament also serves as part of the qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with CAF citing commercial and logistical reasons for the postponement.

Nnadozie and her teammates had been scheduled to begin a 10-day training camp ahead of their quest for an 11th continental title before the announcement.

“We, the players, are not happy about it,” she told The Guardian.

“We don’t know the reason behind it… we were all prepared. We left our clubs hoping to go to the WAFCON. I know the fans are angry. It’s frustrating for me too because some of my family members already got their tickets, while others had applied for visas.”

Despite her disappointment, the goalkeeper remains optimistic about the growth of women’s football in Africa, with the tournament now expanded to 16 teams.

She also highlighted the rising quality across the continent, pointing to Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga as standout players.

“Women’s football in Africa is growing, but we can always ask for more,” she added.

Nnadozie played a key role in Nigeria’s triumph at the last WAFCON in Morocco, helping the Super Falcons secure a record-extending 10th title, and has won the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award three consecutive times.