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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Nine-time champions Nigeria will aim to maintain their momentum. They will prepare for a tougher challenge ahead. They take on Algeria’s Lady Fennecs in their final Group B clash of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Sunday at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
With qualification for the quarter-finals already secured following wins over Tunisia and Botswana, the Super Falcons will use the match against Algeria to sharpen their tactical play and build confidence for a much-anticipated quarter-final battle with either host nation Morocco or fast-rising Zambia—two sides that dealt painful blows to Nigeria at the previous edition of the tournament.
In 2022, hosts Morocco eliminated Nigeria in the semi-finals via a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, while the Copper Queens of Zambia edged the Falcons 1-0 in the third-place match.
Head coach Justine Madugu, who was also part of the technical crew during that disappointing campaign, is determined not to repeat past mistakes.
“We are taking it one game at a time. We believe in our approach, and we’ll adopt the tactics and patterns that give us the best chance of victory.
“We respect every team, but we fear none,” Madugu said confidently ahead of Sunday’s fixture.
Algeria, currently on four points after a narrow win over Botswana and a draw with Tunisia, are still in contention for a place in the quarter-finals.
A win could see them face any of the Group C contenders—defending champions South Africa, Mali, Tanzania, or Ghana—in the next round, depending on how results unfold in that group.
Nigeria and Algeria last met in a two-match friendly series late last year, with the Falcons coming out on top on both occasions.
Rasheedat Ajibade scored two long-range goals in a 2-0 win in Ikenne, while Folashade Ijamilusi starred with a brace in the 3-1 victory at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. Both players are part of Nigeria’s squad in Morocco.
However, the Falcons will be without dynamic USA-based midfielder Deborah Abiodun, who is suspended after picking up yellow cards in Nigeria’s previous matches.
Likely replacements include France-based Jennifer Echegini and Esther Okoronkwo, who has impressed with two assists and a Woman of the Match performance against Tunisia.
Francesca Ordega and others in one of the training sessions.
Coach Madugu may also consider reshuffling his attacking setup, possibly deploying Toni Payne in a central playmaker role, flanked by Ajibade and veteran Francesca Ordega, with the pacy Rinsola Babajide leading the attack.
A win over Algeria would not only solidify Nigeria’s dominance over the North Africans but also extend their unbeaten run in 2024 and keep spirits high ahead of Friday’s high-stakes quarter-final showdown.
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Tanzania held Women’s Africa Cup of Nations defending champions South Africa to a hard-fought 1-1 draw in an intense Group C clash that leaves the group finely poised heading into the final round of fixtures. The result means South Africa and Mali are tied on four points each, while Tanzania and Ghana remain locked on a single point apiece.
Tanzania stunned Banyana Banyana in the 24th minute when Opah Clement rose highest to head home from close range following a well-delivered set piece by Ester Maseke. The early goal gave Tanzania a crucial edge, and they showed tremendous resilience to defend their lead for much of the first half.
South Africa struggled to find their rhythm despite dominating possession and creating several chances. A double save from Tanzanian goalkeeper Najiat Idrisa in first-half stoppage time denied Kgaelebane Mohlakoana, while Lonathemba Mhlongo narrowly missed a header from point-blank range.
Coach Desiree Ellis made key halftime changes, bringing on star forward, Hildah Magaia and Lebohang Ramalepe, and the substitutions paid off. In the 70th minute, South Africa finally broke through. A well-worked corner found Ramalepe, whose precise cross was turned in by Bambanani Mbane to level the score at 1-1.
As tensions escalated, Tanzanian midfielder Elizabeth Chenge was shown a second yellow card and subsequently a red in the 84th minute, leaving her side to finish the match with 10 players.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Tanzania held firm under intense pressure in the dying minutes, bolstered by commanding performances from Julitha Singano and the ever-present Najiat Idrisa in goal.
South Africa pushed relentlessly in stoppage time—earning corners and free kicks—but Tanzania stood tall, ensuring a share of the spoils.
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The Olympic Stadium in Rabat will host a decisive Group A showdown this Saturday night as hosts Morocco face Senegal in their final group match at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with kick-off set for 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT).
This encounter marks only the second time the two sides will meet at WAFCON. Their first clash came in 2022, when Morocco edged Senegal 1-0 thanks to a 55th-minute penalty by captain Ghizlane Chebbak.
Both teams advanced to the knockout stages that year—Morocco as group winners and Senegal as runners-up.
The stakes are high once again. Morocco need at least a draw to guarantee top spot in the group, regardless of the result in the simultaneous Zambia vs. Democratic Republic of Congo game.
Senegal, meanwhile, can secure a quarterfinal berth with a win—or even a draw—depending on other group results, as they remain in contention for one of the best third-placed team slots.
Morocco’s Momentum and Home Fortitude
Morocco remain unbeaten in WAFCON group matches as hosts, with three wins and two draws. However, their defensive solidity has come into question—after conceding four goals in just two games at this tournament, compared to five across six matches in 2022.
The Atlas Lionesses have shown remarkable resilience, coming from behind in both of their group matches—a 1-1 draw with Zambia and a 4-2 win over DR Congo.
The comeback win against DR Congo marked only the second time Morocco have scored four goals in a WAFCON game.
Star forward Ghizlane Chebbak has been at the heart of Morocco’s success. The team captain has scored four goals in this tournament, bringing her total to seven WAFCON goals—all in the group stage.
Her recent hat-trick against DR Congo was the first by a non-Nigerian at WAFCON since 2012 and made her the first Moroccan player, male or female, to score four goals in a single AFCON or WAFCON edition.
Senegal Seek Redemption and Historic Progress
Senegal enter the clash with mixed fortunes. A 3-2 loss to Zambia in their last match halted their momentum, but the Lionesses of Teranga remain within reach of a second consecutive quarterfinal qualification.
Their defeat to Zambia marked the first time Senegal lost a WAFCON game after scoring first and the first time they scored more than one goal in open play yet failed to win.
Still, the team showed attacking promise, increasing possession and producing more shots on target in the second half.
Nguenar Ndiaye has been a standout performer for Senegal, scoring four goals in the tournament so far—including braces in both group matches.
With six WAFCON goals to her name, Ndiaye has now found the net in three consecutive WAFCON matches, matching a feat last achieved by Senegalese men’s star Sadio Mané at AFCON 2017.
Senegal will be aiming to win their final group game at a WAFCON for the first time, having lost their last matches in both 2012 and 2022.
Victory over Morocco could secure top spot in Group A if Zambia fail to win, while a draw might still be enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
A Battle of Form and Fortitude
Morocco have never lost a WAFCON group game on home soil, but they are yet to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches in the finals.
Senegal, meanwhile, have yet to score against a tournament host, losing 5-0 to Equatorial Guinea in 2012 and 1-0 to Morocco in 2022.
With Chebbak in fine form for Morocco and Ndiaye leading Senegal’s charge, Saturday’s clash promises to be a thrilling encounter—one that could reshape the knockout picture and add another dramatic chapter to the tournament’s growing legacy.
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