Benin Republic has pulled out their women' national team from the ongoing maiden WAFU Women’s Nations Cup.

Benin were scheduled to square off against the Super Falcons of Nigeria on Thursday but has now been replaced with Mali in the group B of the tournament, which kicked off three days ago in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

Togo and Senegal other teams Group A has hosts Cote d’Ivoire, the other favourites Ghana, Burkina Faso and Niger.

“It is really discouraging to once again be pulled out of a competition,” said Benin international Colombe Ahizikè.

“Three training sessions a day and at the last minute, we are told that we are not going to travel? We must discourage that.”

Vice-captain Nadège Atanhloueto echoed Ahizikè’s sentiments, adding: “In 2006, it was the same story, 2007 the same, 2012 and 2015 the same, and 2018 again?”

Benin Football Federation president, Anjorin Moucharafou said his team is not yet competitive hence the decision.

“The women’s national team is not yet competitive. I understand their bitterness, that’s right. But you know, when you run a state business, you do not put sentiment.

“I want to impose the Benin label in football and so I have talked to the girls and told them that an appointment is made for next time,” he said.