Nigeria’s Super Falcons are flying high in Casablanca....
Rasheedat Ajibade, the captain and heartbeat of the team, was named Woman of the Match after leading the Falcons to a gritty 1-0 win over Botswana at the 2024 WAFCON.
But the Atlético Madrid forward isn't taking all the credit.
Ajibade said in post-match as cited by Sports Central: “I feel grateful to God Almighty for winning the Player of the Match. “But I’d be deceiving myself if I said I did it alone. This was 100% a team effort. Massive shoutout to my teammates, the coaches, and the amazing fans. We fought till the very end — it wasn’t an easy game.”
That hard-fought win not only confirmed Nigeria’s spot in the quarterfinals with a game to spare, but also added to their incredible legacy — marking the Super Falcons' 30th group-stage win in WAFCON history, more than any other nation.
Fun fact: This is the first time since 1998 Nigeria has kept clean sheets in their first two WAFCON games. And the first time since 2014 they’ve won back-to-back opening matches at the tournament. The queens are back!
Ajibade, ever humble and focused, also had kind words for Botswana: “They’re a very good side. In this tournament, no team is to be taken lightly. Just because we’re Nigeria doesn’t mean we’ll have it easy. Every game is a battle.”
As for her own fitness and role in the team, the Super Falcons skipper is all in: “I’m 100% fit — no injuries at all. I give everything when I wear this jersey, and it’s an honour every single time. Whether I’m playing upfront or out wide, it’s all part of the game plan. We adapt and stay flexible to break down opponents.”
Next up: Nigeria vs. Algeria in the final Group B match, and you can bet Ajibade will be leading from the front once again. Let’s keep the momentum going.
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