Zambia women’s head coach Nora Häuptle has launched a blistering critique of the decision to postpone the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), describing the move as a mark of “disrespect” to the continental game.
In a pointed statement released on Friday, 13 March, the former Ghana head coach expressed her “big disappointment” over the late scheduling changes.
The tournament, which was originally slated for a March kick-off, has been pushed back to July 2026 by officials.
Häuptle argues that the delay leaves Africa’s elite teams in a competitive vacuum during a vital period of development.
Writing on LinkedIn, the Swiss tactician did not hold back, suggesting the administrative shift undermines the professional standards players and staff have fought to establish across the continent.
“We need to state clearly the disrespect to all participating players, coaches, teams, associations, fans, and stakeholders,” Häuptle said.
She insisted that her Copper Queens squad were fully prepared to compete, adding that “Women’s football in Africa deserves better” than the hurdles currently hampering its progress.
The postponement has caused immediate logistical ripples. Zambia is currently one of the few qualified nations without a friendly fixture during the ongoing FIFA international window.
Häuptle emphasised that high-quality matches are “crucial” for the team’s evolution. In the absence of an international opponent, the technical bench has been forced to pivot to internal training sessions to refine tactical flexibility.
Despite the WAFCON setback, Häuptle confirmed a major boost for Zambian supporters. Her request for the team to join the elite FIFA Series 2026 has been successful.
In April, the Copper Queens will travel to Brazil to test themselves against world-class opposition, facing Canada, South Korea, and the host nation, Brazil.
Closing her statement, Häuptle turned her attention to domestic affairs, calling on the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to ramp up investment.
She maintained that consistent funding and exposure to top-tier football are the only ways to ensure the “continuous growth” of a team that has become a symbol of Zambian national pride on the global stage.
