Nigeria Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, has described her Woman of the Match award as a product of teamwork following Nigeria’s narrow 1-0 win over Botswana at the 2024 WAFCON in Casablanca, www.aclsports.com reports.
Ajibade was named the standout player after leading Nigeria to a second consecutive win, a result that confirmed the team’s place in the quarterfinals with a game to spare.
Speaking to the press after the match, the forward said the award wasn’t about her alone.
“I feel grateful to God Almighty for winning the Player of the Match,” she said. “But I would be deceiving myself if I said I did it alone. Special thanks to my teammates, it was a collective effort. We fought to the very end as a team. It wasn’t an easy game, it was a very difficult one. Credit to my teammates, the technical crew, and the fans who came out to support us.”
The victory over Botswana was also Nigeria’s 30th group stage win in WAFCON history, more than any other nation. It marked the first time since 2014 that the Super Falcons have won their opening two matches at the tournament. Remarkably, it is also the first time since 1998 that Nigeria has kept clean sheets in both of their first two games.
Skipper. Leader. Star.
— ACLSports (@acl_sports) July 10, 2025Nigeria captain, Rasheedat Ajibade is named the TotalEnergies Woman of the Match.#YourSportsMemo #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 #ACLSportsWAFCON pic.twitter.com/q3obishPaE
Ajibade also praised the quality of the opposition and emphasised that there are no easy games at the tournament.
“Botswana are a good side. At this tournament, no team can be underrated. Every team that qualified is exceptional. The fact that we are Nigeria doesn’t mean games will be easy. It was very challenging and very competitive. But we’re grateful to God that we got the win in the end.”
On her individual form and fitness, Ajibade confirmed she was injury-free and doing her best to contribute on the pitch.
“I don’t have any injuries. I’m 100% fit and doing what I can to the best of my abilities. I’ll keep pushing. For me, it’s an honour and a huge responsibility to play for the national team, so I give my best every time I get on that pitch.”
When asked if she was playing a free role in the system or out of position, the Super Falcons captain clarified her tactical responsibilities.
“I’m not playing as a free player, we have a game plan. Sometimes I play as an attacking forward, sometimes as a winger. We have a connection as teammates that allows us to be flexible on the field. We don’t need to be static. The most important thing is to break down the opponent’s defence in the best possible way. It’s all about flexibility.”
Having played a key role in both of Nigeria’s group wins, Ajibade is expected to lead the team again when they face Algeria in their final Group B match.
