Three years ago, Rasheedat Ajibade walked off the pitch at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, dejected and in tears.

 A red card for a professional foul in the semi-final against Morocco not only ended her night prematurely but also ruled her out of the third-place match, which Nigeria eventually lost 1-0 to Zambia.

 Fellow midfielder Halimatu Ayinde also saw red that night, reducing the Super Falcons to nine players for much of the second half and extra time.

Now, in July 2025, the script is different. Ajibade is not only back in Morocco but returns as captain of the Super Falcons, leading the team into Saturday’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final against the same Atlas Lionesses in Rabat.

 This time, she stands tall, confident, composed, and determined to rewrite the narrative.

From the moment Nigeria began their campaign with a 3-0 win over Tunisia, where Esther Okoronkwo claimed Woman of the Match honours, Ajibade has taken centre stage. She has since won the award in three successive matches—against Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa—and is now a frontrunner for the Player of the Tournament accolade.

At a pre-tournament CAF webinar, Ajibade offered a glimpse of the team’s mindset:
“For us, effort is everything. We’ll demonstrate what we’re capable of and continue to build on our existing strengths. We have an incredible group of talented players.

“We know it won’t be easy, but we’re committed to showing up as our best selves.”

That resilience has been evident throughout Nigeria’s campaign. Under Ajibade’s leadership, the Falcons have marched into the final with grit and purpose, fuelled by the collective mission to reclaim the WAFCON crown, what many in the camp now call Mission X, a nod to Nigeria’s pursuit of a record-extending 10th title.

Ajibade, calm yet fiercely driven, knows that past glory counts for little in the heat of a final. Still, history offers motivation.

“We know pedigree and past achievements mean little in a match of this nature, but records also serve to encourage and inspire people and groups to go all out when it matters most,” she said.

As the curtain rises on Saturday’s showdown at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Ajibade has a chance to turn the ghosts of 2022 into the glory of 2025. And this time, she’s not leaving Morocco empty-handed.

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Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa will make history on Saturday as the first from her country to officiate a CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final when Nigeria face hosts Morocco in the 2024 edition at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.

Recognised for her composure, consistency, and control throughout the tournament, Antsino’s appointment is a milestone moment for Namibian and African refereeing.

 “I didn’t expect this at all… But with God, all things are possible,” Cafonline quotes her as saying.

She will lead an all-female officiating crew, including Assistant Referees Alice Umutesi (Rwanda) and Tabara Mbodji (Senegal).

In the VAR booth, trailblazing Rwandan referee Salima Mukansanga, who officiated at AFCON 2022 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup, will take charge, supported by Letticia Viana (Eswatini) and Diana Chikotesha (Zambia).

CAF’s Head of Refereeing, Desire Noumandiez Doue, praised the officials for earning their places on merit, citing their tactical awareness, match control, and professionalism. He described Antsino as “a potential FIFA Women’s World Cup candidate.”

The all-women officiating team underscores CAF’s growing investment in women’s football and commitment to advancing female talent at all levels of the game.

The WAFCON 2024 final between nine-time champions Nigeria and Morocco kicks off on Saturday, July 26, in Rabat.

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Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has secured a move to France’s Ligue 1, joining FC Nantes from Major League Soccer (MLS) side Colorado Rapids.

The 28-year-old centre-back featured prominently for Colorado Rapids this season, making 20 appearances—all starts—and registering one assist. His only assist came during a 3-2 win over San Diego FC on April 12.

Awaziem, who previously impressed during a short stint with FC Cincinnati last season with two assists in seven matches, is now set for a fresh challenge in Europe’s top flight as he joins the French club.

Reacting to the move, Rapids president Padraig Smith said: “We’re grateful to Chido for his time with the club this season. We wish him nothing but success in this next chapter.”

Awaziem’s move to Nantes marks a return to European football for the Nigerian international, who has previously played in Portugal, Spain, and Turkey.

 His return to a top-tier European league is seen as a boost to his prospects with the national team.

Meanwhile, Colorado Rapids continue their MLS campaign and currently sit just above the playoff line in the Western Conference with 30 points from 24 games. They face Philadelphia Union on the road this Saturday.

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