‘It would not happen in men’s game’ – Nigeria’s Ashleigh Plumptre slams WAFCON postponement

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has criticised the decision to postpone the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, arguing that a similar situation would never be allowed to occur in the men’s game.

The centre-back, who plays club football for Al-Ittihad, expressed her frustration in a video interview shared by Match of the Day after Confederation of African Football confirmed that the continental tournament had been rescheduled.

Originally planned to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, the competition will now be held from July 25 to August 16, 2026. CAF explained that the change was necessitated by unforeseen logistical and organisational challenges discovered after consultations with global football authorities and other stakeholders.

Plumptre, however, questioned the acceptability of such disruptions, particularly given the importance of the tournament to the growth of women’s football across the continent.

“It just wouldn’t happen for other tournaments in women’s football, and especially in men’s football. Last WAFCON wasn’t less important than this one just because it wasn’t qualification for a World Cup,” Plumptre said.

The 27-year-old nonetheless acknowledged the significance of the upcoming edition of the tournament, which will be historic for several reasons. The 2026 competition will feature 16 teams for the first time and will also serve as a qualifying pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

For many nations, Plumptre noted, the expanded format presents a rare opportunity to reach the global stage.

“This is the first time it’s the edition where there are 16 teams, all of which are going to want to be able to go and qualify for the World Cup. And this is a big deal for many teams.”

“Many of them haven’t even been in the AFCON before, never mind had the chance to qualify for a World Cup. It also helps them financially as well,” she said.

Plumptre also spoke about the uncertainty players often face within the women’s game in Africa, noting that adapting to sudden changes has become an unavoidable reality.

“All I can do is just take day by day and prepare myself in the best way that I can because there are so many things I’ve had to get accustomed to, and many other players in African football where you kind of just have to go with it because you have no other choice,” she added.