\n<\/p>\n
A delay in holding Wafcon will again raise questions about Caf\u2019s commitment to the women\u2019s game \u2013 given that the 2020 edition was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic while the men\u2019s 2021 tournament was merely postponed.<\/p>\n
Deciding when to hold the 12-team 2024 Wafcon finals was complicated by the fact that record nine-time winners Nigeria and Zambia will be participating in the Paris Olympics this July and August.<\/p>\n
Speaking before the announcement by Caf was made, Nigeria international Desire Oparanozie told BBC Sport Africa that a delay would set the women\u2019s game in Africa back.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot having this tournament when we should have it is going to take us maybe 10 steps backward,\u201d the forward said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen it comes to women’s football, we’re still trying to get to where we need to be.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think, first of all, it\u2019s [a] lack of prioritising women’s football in Africa, because you can’t tell me it’s the same thing when it comes to the men.\u201d<\/p>\n
Qualifying for the 2024 Wafcon was completed last December,<\/a> which means players and coaches will have waited over 18 months for the finals by the time the tournament starts.<\/p>\n