WAFCON 2026: Ajibade laments Super Falcons’ disappointing outing

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has reacted to Nigeria’s dismal outing at the ongoing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON.

Nigeria crashed out in the quarter-finals following a 1-0 defeat to the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon.

Justine Madugu’s side also failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The 2-1 defeat to the Banyana Banyana of South Africa denied the 10-time African champions the chance to earn a berth at the inter-confederation playoffs.

Ajibade reckoned that women’s football is fast changing in Africa, and stated that it is important for the Super Falcons to prepare well for subsequent tournaments.

“To be honest, my biggest lesson is just gratitude. We should be grateful,” Ajibade said after the game against South Africa.

“We should learn not to be lax because the competition is fierce now. We must realize we’re not invincible; we just need to prepare more, get better, and demand more of ourselves individually and collectively.”