In an exclusive interview with FIFA ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup campaign, Nigerian forward Rasheedat Ajibade spoke passionately about her dreams for the Super Falcons and the broader growth of women’s football in Africa. The interview comes just as the Falcons have secured qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Ajibade, who has established herself as a key figure in Nigeria’s attack, told FIFA her ambition is not only to shine individually but to help propel the team to new heights on the global stage. “We know our capabilities,” she said. “Our collective strength lies in belief, hard work and unity.”
Her words carry considerable weight now that the Super Falcons have confirmed their place in WAFCON 2026 following a 1-1 draw against Benin at home. The result gave Nigeria a 3-1 aggregate win after a 2-0 victory in the first leg in Lomé.
In her interview, Ajibade reflected on her journey — from youth tournaments to senior level — and emphasized the responsibility she feels as a leader for younger players. “I always say: don’t just play for yourself, play for those who look up to you back home,” she told FIFA. She also spoke about her time overseas, noting how exposure to different leagues has expanded her skills and footballing intelligence.
When asked about the upcoming qualifiers and continental challenges, Ajibade acknowledged that the path to WAFCON and beyond is never straightforward. She stressed that the Falcons must balance ambition with consistency: “Winning the qualifier is just part of the story — how we perform in the tournament will define us.”
Her reflections came at a moment of optimism for Nigeria’s women’s football. The Falcons’ unbeaten path through WAFCON qualifying reinforces the team’s status as a continental powerhouse and signals rising confidence ahead of World Cup challenges. Nigeria remains the only African nation to have appeared at every Women’s World Cup, and Ajibade is clear-eyed about carrying that legacy forward.
As the Super Falcons shift gears from qualifying to preparation, Ajibade says the squad is already working on cohesion, tactical depth and mental resilience — areas she believes will determine success at major tournaments. “We want to be respected, feared,” she remarked. “And to do that, we must bring our best to every game — whether here in Africa or on the global stage.”
With both the WAFCON berth secured and the countdown to Brazil 2027 advancing, Ajibade’s ambition and the Falcons’ momentum present a compelling narrative for Nigeria’s quest to reclaim continental glory and make an impact on the world stage.
