WAFCON
CAF hails Super Falcons’ skipper, Rasheedat Ajibade
On its website, the Confederation of African Football, CAF, has eulogised the rising profile of the Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade.
At just 25, Ajibade has firmly etched her name into the folklore of Nigerian women’s football.
From a teenage debutant at the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to captain of the Super Falcons at the ongoing 2024 edition in Morocco, Ajibade’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
On Thursday night at Casablanca’s Larbi Zaouli Stadium, the Atlético Madrid forward once again underlined her status as Nigeria’s new football compass.
Though she didn’t score in the 1–0 victory over Botswana, her commanding presence across all areas of the pitch earned her the Woman of the Match award.
With sharp decision-making, composure in tense moments, and relentless energy, Ajibade proved yet again that she is more than a winger—she is the heart and soul of a Nigerian team chasing its 10th continental crown.
Her rise to leadership began quietly in 2018. Barely 19 and fresh-faced with a shaved head and steely determination, Ajibade stepped onto the WAFCON stage in Ghana.
She watched and learned from seasoned greats like Rita Chikwelu, Desire Oparanozie, and Ngozi Ebere.
When the opportunity came in the semi-final against Cameroon, she stepped up, coolly converting her penalty in the shootout before lifting her first WAFCON trophy days before her 19th birthday.
From Lagos to Europe, her growth has mirrored that of a true professional. After a stint in Norway with Avaldsnes IL, she joined Atlético Madrid in Spain, where her game matured.
“In Madrid, I learned to play more accurately. Run less for the sake of running. See before I receive,” she told the BBC.
With her now-iconic electric blue hair, Ajibade has transformed from a fleet-footed attacker to a composed and tactical playmaker.
She made her mark again at the 2022 WAFCON—also in Morocco—where she finished as joint top scorer with three goals and was named in the tournament’s Best XI.
Her decisive goal against Cameroon in the quarter-finals sealed Nigeria’s place in the semi-finals.
But heartbreak followed as she missed the semi-final through suspension and watched the Super Falcons stumble to fourth place after back-to-back defeats.
That campaign left a bitter taste, but it also marked a turning point. Since 2023, Ajibade has worn the captain’s armband—more by merit than formality.
On and off the pitch, she leads with calm authority and quiet strength. Her leadership was on full display against Botswana: 81 touches, eight duels won, five key passes, and three shots on target.
But her impact goes beyond the numbers. Ajibade orchestrates play, drops deep to support the defence, initiates attacks, and offers stability during difficult spells.
She’s become the kind of player who doesn’t just feature in games—she defines them.
Over six years, Ajibade has evolved from a promising youngster into the dependable face of a new-look Super Falcons—less flashy perhaps, but more disciplined, patient, and tactically sound.
As Nigeria eyes a return to continental glory, it is their captain—cool-headed and battle-tested—who is leading the charge.
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By Kunle Solaja.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed, with Africa’s football governing body announcing new dates for the tournament in Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will now take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled dates of 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in October 2024, with preparations already underway for what is expected to be one of the biggest editions of the competition. It doubles as the qualification tournament for the Women’s World Cup, as the top four finishers will feature in the global event.
CAF said the decision to move the tournament followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders.
In a statement, CAF explained that the adjustment was made “to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
Although the organisation did not elaborate on the nature of those circumstances, the rescheduling shifts the tournament to the traditional mid-year international football window, which is often more favourable for player availability and logistics.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s flagship women’s football competition and serves as a crucial platform for the development and visibility of the women’s game in Africa.
Morocco, which successfully hosted the 2022 edition of the tournament, is expected to leverage its modern stadium infrastructure and growing reputation as a major football events destination to deliver another high-profile competition.
CAF expressed confidence that the revised schedule will allow all stakeholders to adequately prepare for the tournament.
“Preparations for the WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful,” the governing body stated.
The tournament will bring together Africa’s top women’s national teams competing for continental supremacy, with the rescheduling expected to give organisers additional time to ensure optimal preparations for the event.
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The Confederation of African Football has announced that it will issue an official communication within the next 48 hours regarding the situation surrounding the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
In a brief message posted on social media, CAF indicated that the matter has been under extensive discussion in recent weeks and is currently receiving urgent attention at the highest levels of the organisation.
“CAF will communicate within the next 48 hours on the situation regarding the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON26. There have been several discussions over the past weeks. The matter is receiving urgent and high-level attention,” the confederation stated.
Although CAF did not provide specific details about the issue under review, the statement suggests that senior officials within the continental governing body are working toward a resolution.
The development has sparked anticipation across the African football community, particularly among national teams preparing for the women’s continental championship.
The Confederation of African Football is expected to clarify the circumstances and outline the next steps for the tournament when it releases its official update within the stipulated timeframe.
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Reigning African champions Nigeria produced a commanding response, defeating Cameroon 3–1 on Tuesday in the second of their pre-WAFCON international friendlies in Yaounde.
Three days after suffering a narrow 1–0 loss at the Military Stadium, the Super Falcons returned to the same venue. They delivered a far more assured performance, underlining their pedigree as perennial continental powerhouses.
Head Coach Justin Madugu rang the changes, making seven alterations to the starting line-up that featured in Saturday’s defeat. However, it was Cameroon who struck first again, netting in the seventh minute to momentarily raise concerns of a repeat setback.
Nigeria responded with composure and growing authority.
Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo restored parity in the 32nd minute, rising above her marker to power home a header from a well-delivered cross by Rinsola Babajide. The equaliser settled the Falcons, who began to dictate tempo and press with greater coordination.
Just before the break, the comeback was completed. After a scramble inside the Cameroonian box, Babajide reacted quickest to fire home in the 43rd minute, turning provider into scorer to give Nigeria a 2–1 lead at halftime.
Madugu’s reshaped midfield proved decisive, pressing higher up the pitch, shutting down central channels and forcing the Lionesses into speculative long balls.
The Falcons extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, influential down the right flank, delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area. Michelle Alozie attacked the ball with conviction, launching into a flying header that made it 3–1 and effectively sealed the contest.
Both sides treated the two-match series as crucial preparation for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
For Nigeria, the emphatic victory not only avenged Saturday’s defeat but also reaffirmed their status as Africa’s benchmark in women’s football heading into the continental showpiece.
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