Still basking in the joy of Nigeria’s victory at the recently concluded Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, Captain Rasheedat Ajibade has announced that the 10-time continental champions, the Super Falcons, are now setting their sights on winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Last Saturday night in Rabat, the Super Falcons made a remarkable comeback from a two-goal deficit to defeat the host nation, Morocco, with a score of 3-2, thereby securing their 10th WAFCON title.
The Falcons have participated in all nine editions of the Women’s World Cup, achieving their best result by reaching the quarterfinals in 1999.
Two years ago, during the World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand, they pushed the two-time European champions, England, to a penalty shootout in the second round.
The MVP of the 2024 WAFCON, Ajibade, has now expressed that the team is capable of aiming for the most prestigious accolade in women’s football globally, the World Cup.
“We are not satisfied with merely resting on our achievements. Our vision is ambitious. We aspire to become the premier women’s football team in the world,” a determined Ajibade stated to reporters shortly after each team member was promised $100,000, along with a three-bedroom house and national recognition from President Bola Tinubu at the Villa in Abuja.
Related News: Bay FC Honors Super Falcons Player After WAFCON Victory
“Let us cultivate a mindset that recognizes no boundaries, that dares to dream ambitiously, and that unites in the quest for excellence.
“With the appropriate support and conditions, we can achieve the same competitive environment as our rivals. The Super Falcons are prepared to reach new heights, and the sky is merely the starting point.”
Ajibade, along with three other Super Falcons, including Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, and Esther Okoronkwo, were named in the 2024 WAFCON Best XI team announced on Monday by CAF.
The Super Falcons’ Captain was recognized as the Most Valuable Player in three of the six matches played by Nigeria on their path to winning the trophy.
She provided the necessary leadership and inspiration for the Falcons to secure the trophy in Rabat, making it unsurprising that she was awarded the title of Player of the Tournament.