Nigeria

It Was Necessary’ CAF Defends WAFCON Delay — Adamu Says Decision Taken To Protect Tournament Integrity

Acting Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football, Samson Adamu, has described the postponement of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as a difficult but necessary decision taken to safeguard the integrity of the competition.

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Speaking on the controversial move, Adamu admitted that the delay was regrettable but insisted it was unavoidable given the circumstances.

“It was necessary,” he said.

According to him, the factors that led to the postponement were beyond CAF’s control, leaving the organization with no choice but to reschedule the tournament.

“These were external issues,” he implied.

Adamu emphasized that protecting the credibility of the competition remains a top priority, especially as the tournament also serves as a qualifier for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“We must get it right,” he noted.

He revealed that preparations are already underway to ensure a successful staging of the competition when it takes place in July.

“Plans are in place,” he added.

The CAF official also pointed out that while the decision may have caused inconvenience, it was made with the broader interests of African football in mind.

“A little discomfort for the greater good,” he stressed.

He referenced the success of the previous Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco as an example of what can be achieved with proper planning and execution.

“We want that standard,” he said.

The postponement has sparked mixed reactions across the continent, with players, coaches, and fans expressing both frustration and understanding.

As CAF moves forward, the focus will be on delivering a tournament that meets expectations.

For Adamu, the message is clear.

Quality matters.

Integrity matters.

And sometimes, difficult decisions are necessary to protect both.