‘Effort is everything': Ajibade declares Nigeria Super Falcons ready to win 10th WAFCON title

Nigeria Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has expressed strong confidence that the team is ready to win a historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title. 

This assurance came after Nigeria’s solid goalless draw against world number 22 Portugal in a recent friendly match as the Falcons stepped up preparation for the 13th WAFCON in Morocco.

Known as “the girl with the blue hair,” former Atletico Madrid forward Ajibade led the Super Falcons in a hard-fought match that saw a slow start but an improved second half. 

Ajibade and her Falcons teammates weathered the storm in Portugal, helped by the brilliance of Africa’s number one goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, to maintain their good form in build-up to the tournament proper.

Speaking about the team’s mindset ahead of WAFCON 2024, she stated, “We are focused on Mission X. For us, effort is everything,” as shared on the team’s official X account.

Ajibade impressed recently when she scored both goals to fire the Super Falcons to a deserved 2-0 win against neighbours Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses.

Ajibade’s belief is supported by head coach Justine Madugu, who had earlier reaffirmed the team’s goal of winning their 10th WAFCON title. 

Following Nigeria’s 2-0 friendly win over Cameroon, Madugu declared that “Mission X,” the Nigeria Football Federation’s campaign for the historic title, is achievable. 

The Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s team with nine titles, are determined to reclaim the trophy after South Africa’s recent victory in Morocco in the last edition.