2026 WAFCON Qualifiers: Black Queens boycott training over unpaid bonuses ahead of Egypt clash

The Black Queens of Ghana have refused to train ahead of their decisive return leg against Egypt in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers, in protest over unpaid bonuses.Reports indicate that players of the women’s senior national team are still owed $9,500 each in outstanding bonuses from their bronze-medal campaign at the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco.The tournament concluded in July, yet the promised payments remain unsettled.The team had previously threatened to boycott the first leg of the qualifier in Ismailia but eventually honoured the match after several high-level interventions.They went on to secure a comfortable 3-0 victory over the Egyptian Cleopatras, later receiving only their per diems for the international break.However, with the second leg scheduled for Tuesday at the Accra Sports Stadium, the players staged a fresh protest on Saturday, refusing to train until the owed allowances are paid.The standoff has raised concerns about Ghana’s preparation and focus ahead of a crucial fixture that could determine their qualification for the 2026 WAFCON, an event that also serves as a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.