By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Again, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has said that the 15th edition of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) billed for Morocco in 2024 will go ahead despite the dark clouds hovering over the staging of the competition this year.
This cheering news for the followers of the women’s football across the continent was dropped on Thursday night by a top official of CAF, Mr. Luxolo September, Head of Television and Broadcasting (Commercial) who was a guest on a cable television programme, ‘Soccer Africa’ which is broadcast from South African studios of the media giant.
According to Mr September, the final decision on the date of WAFCON 2024 and AFCON 2025 both billed for Morocco will be made in few weeks by CAF hierarchy, adding that the crowded football schedules in 2024 have affected football competitions globally.
Said he:”By FIFA calendar, WAFCON was supposed to have taken place in January but, of course, AFCON took place in January and February in Ivory Coast and we wouldn’t have held WAFCON then. Also, the next FIFA window is July/ August when the Paris Olympics will hold.
“But we (CAF) are working round the clock to ensure that the competition holds this year. So, in the next few weeks when CAF meets, a decision will be taken on not only the WAFCON but AFCON dates.
“I want to reveal that CAF President,(Dr Patrice Motsepe), is already discussing with heads of European clubs to release African players for WAFCON and I believe the competition will take place this year”.
Mr. September had earlier in March insisted that the competition will not suffer any postponement, pointing out that CAF leadership is aware of the crowded calendar and is working tirelessly to ensure that the tournament is organised within the year in Morocco. READ ALSO:
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“This competition will surely hold this year. There is nothing to fear. We must found a way round it”, Mr. September stated last month.
Meanwhile, the continental powerhouse, Nigeria with an unprecedented record of nine WAFCON trophies and being sole African representatives in two earlier FIFA Women’s World Cup in China and Sweden in 1991 and 1995 respectively has also qualified for the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco.
