Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade has declared that the team is fired up and ready to fight for glory at the 2024 WAFCON.
This follows a 2-0 victory over Cameroon on Tuesday where Ajibade, who netted both goals in the friendly against the Indomitable Lionesses at the MKO Abiola Stadium.
She expressed the team’s resolve to stay focused despite recent distractions and limited preparation time.
“Right now, the mood is positive. Even though there are back-and-forth distractions, we understand the responsibilities that lie ahead,” Ajibade said in a post-match press conference.
“As players, it’s an honour to play for the nation. We’re positive, we’re excited, and we’re looking forward to the tournament. Of course, we will give our best as always.”
Tuesday’s clash was the Falcons’ return to action after nearly seven months apart, having missed the last two FIFA international windows.
The last time they played was a narrow 2-1 defeat to France in November 2024. Before that, Nigeria faced Algeria in a two-legged friendly series in Lagos and Ikenne.
Despite the long layoff, the Super Falcons showed no signs of rust. Ajibade, who recently concluded her spell at Atlético Madrid Femenino, opened the scoring in the first half before doubling the lead with a composed finish in the second.
Group B Awaits: Nigeria to Face Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana
The 11-time African champions have been drawn into Group B for the 2024 WAFCON, where they will face familiar foes Tunisia and Algeria, along with Botswana.
The tournament, which kicks off on July 5 and runs until July 26, is expected to be fiercely competitive.
Nigeria’s bid for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title will also serve as a personal milestone for Ajibade, who is currently a free agent.
After four standout years with Atlético, where she scored 40 goals in 139 appearances and won the 2021 Spanish Super Cup and 2023 Copa de la Reina, the 24-year-old forward is expected to seal a move to a new European club post-tournament.
Madugu: “We’re a Work in Progress”
Interim head coach Justin Madugu praised his team’s spirit and resilience in what he described as a typically tough encounter with the Cameroonians.
Madugu also admitted that the team’s lack of recent competitive action meant the match served as both a morale booster and a tactical assessment ahead of WAFCON.
