Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has publicly criticised the Nigeria Football Federation over what she described as poor planning and lack of coordination ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
The forward’s frustration comes amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s readiness for the continental tournament, scheduled to hold between July 26 and August 16, which also serves as a qualifying pathway for the next Women’s World Cup.
Ajibade revealed that communication from the federation has been largely informal, disclosing that players were only told through unofficial channels that the team’s training camp would open on April 11. She criticised the absence of any formal announcement, noting that players had not received official invitations or clear schedules for the current FIFA international window.
“We are not just preparing for the Women’s African Cup of Nations, we are also fighting for World Cup qualification,” Ajibade said. “So, why are we not preparing with the seriousness and intensity this demands? Abeg, wetin be all this one for how long?”
Her remarks highlight deeper structural concerns within the team’s preparation, particularly the failure to secure friendly matches during the April 7–18 international window, a period typically used by national teams to fine-tune tactics and squad cohesion. Reports indicate that planned friendlies against Togo and Cape Verde collapsed, leaving the team without competitive fixtures as rivals continue their preparations.
The situation has further exposed disparities in planning between Nigeria’s men’s and women’s teams, with attention drawn to the Super Eagles’ scheduled participation in international tournaments and friendlies, while the Super Falcons remain largely inactive.
Ajibade’s comments have resonated within the squad, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie also reportedly expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of structured preparation and communication from the federation.
The latest criticism adds to a pattern of recurring issues surrounding the women’s national team, including past concerns over unpaid allowances, limited preparatory matches, and administrative lapses.
With just months to the start of WAFCON 2026, pressure is mounting on the NFF to urgently address logistical gaps, secure quality friendlies, and provide clear direction to the team. Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s side, are aiming to defend their continental dominance while also securing qualification for the 2027 global showpiece.
