WAFU B: Ghana snub Nigeria for Russia

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations have suffered a setback after Ghana withdrew from the WAFU B Invitational Tournament, Soccernet.ng reports.

The four-nation event, scheduled to take place in Abidjan from 27 February to 7 March, had been lined up as a high-intensity warm-up involving Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and hosts Côte d’Ivoire.

All four sides have already secured qualification for the next WAFCON in Morocco, a tournament that will also double as Africa’s qualifying route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The competition was seen as an ideal opportunity for Nigeria to sharpen match rhythm and measure progress against familiar continental opponents. The Super Falcons, reigning African champions, have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi, and were particularly eager for another chapter in their fierce rivalry with Ghana.

That encounter, however, will no longer happen, at least not in Abidjan.

Nigeria snubbed as Ghana choose UAE test

Instead of heading to Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana will begin their WAFCON preparations at the Pinks Ladies Cup in the United Arab Emirates, which runs from 28 February to 6 March.

The UAE-based tournament will see the Black Queens face opposition from outside the West African region, including Russia, Hong Kong and Tanzania, a mix Ghana believe will offer a broader competitive challenge.

Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren is expected to use the matches to assess both experienced internationals and emerging players as he fine-tunes his squad for the continental finals.

According to GhanaSoccernet, the Ghana Football Association says the decision reflects a deliberate push, backed by government support, to give the team the best possible preparation platform ahead of a demanding WAFCON campaign.

While the squad list for the UAE trip is yet to be released, the team is expected to depart before the end of February.

Back in West Africa, uncertainty now surrounds the WAFU B tournament format. Organisers are yet to confirm whether a replacement team will be invited or whether the competition will go ahead with Nigeria, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire as a three-team event.

The Super Falcons have qualified for every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991.