Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations have taken a new direction after the Black Queens withdrew from the WAFU B Invitational Tournament in Abidjan.
Scheduled from 27 February to 7 March, the four-nation event had been set as a high-intensity warm-up involving Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and hosts Côte d’Ivoire.
All participants have already secured qualification for the next WAFCON in Morocco, which will also serve as Africa’s qualifying route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
For Nigeria, the withdrawal represents a missed opportunity. The Super Falcons, reigning African champions and drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi, had been eager to continue their fierce rivalry with Ghana and sharpen their match rhythm against familiar continental opponents.
The absence of the Black Queens now leaves the tournament schedule in flux, with organisers yet to confirm whether a replacement team will be invited or if the competition will proceed as a three-team event.
Instead of Abidjan, Ghana will embark on a preparation camp in the United Arab Emirates for the Pinks Ladies Cup, running from 28 February to 6 March.
The UAE tournament will pit the Black Queens against international opposition, including teams from Russia, Hong Kong, and Tanzania, offering a broader range of competitive challenges.
Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren is expected to use the matches to evaluate both seasoned internationals and emerging talents while refining the squad ahead of the continental finals.
The Ghana Football Association confirmed the decision as part of a deliberate push, with government backing, to provide the team with the best possible preparation environment for WAFCON.
Although the squad for the UAE trip is yet to be announced, the team is expected to depart before the end of February. For Nigeria and other West African sides, the focus now shifts to adapting plans in light of Ghana’s absence from the regional tournament.
