Why Nigeria Suspends 2020 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations Bid - NFF

Why Nigeria Suspends 2020 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations Bid - NFF

By Admin

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has explained the reason behind suspending bidding to host the 2020 African Women’s Cup of Nations (Awcon) amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Confederation of African Football, CAF, has not named any country as the host despite the 12th edition of the continental women’s showpiece slated for November 23 to December 20 this year.

Nigeria’s football governing body in January confirmed its interest to bid for the 2020 Awcon hosting rights, along with two-time winners Equatorial Guinea.

“The NFF’s priority now is the battle against coronavirus, which is affecting the whole world,” the NFF secretary-general Mohammed Sanusi told the Guardian.

“We want to win the battle by getting a cure so that sporting activities will resume.

“We cannot start discussing or lobbying CAF now for the hosting right of the African Women Championship when there is a global health issue affecting the lives of people every day.

“The NFF will take the appropriate decision on hosting the African championship at the right time.”

The 2020 event will feature 12 teams for the first time, along with the host nation, which is expected to be announced as soon as possible.

The Nigeria Super Falcons are the defending champions following their win at the 2018 African Women Cup of Nations in Ghana.