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The postponement of the West African Championship will once again raise questions about the Confederation of African Football’s commitment to women’s football – as the 2020 West African Championship was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, while the 2021 men’s tournament was merely postponed.
Deciding when to host the 12-team Wafcon finals in 2024 is complicated by the fact that record nine-time champions Nigeria and Zambia will compete in the Paris Olympics in July and August this year.
Before CAF’s announcement, Nigeria international Desire Oparanozi told BBC Africa Sport that the postponement of the tournament would have an impact on women’s football in Africa.
“Not having this tournament when we should have done it probably puts us 10 steps back,” the striker said.
“As far as women’s football is concerned, we are still trying to get to the level we need to be.
“I think, first of all, women’s football is not being prioritised in Africa because you can’t tell me the same is true for men’s football.”
Qualify for Wafcon 2024 Completed in December last year, This meant that by the time the tournament started, players and coaches had been waiting more than 18 months for the final.
Earlier this month, Defending Women’s Intercontinental Champion South Africa has criticised CAF’s handling of the matter.
“It would be a huge disappointment if Wafcon was postponed or cancelled,” the 61-year-old told BBC Sport Africa.
CAF president Motsepe said he was “impressed” by the development of women’s football in Africa.
He added: “I expect Wafcon Morocco 2024 to be a huge success.”
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