Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade acknowledged that her team wasn’t at its best during the second leg of the 2026 WAFCON qualifying final against Benin Republic in Abeokuta on Tuesday, but she insisted overconfidence wasn’t an issue, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Super Falcons drew 1-1 with the Amazons, having already secured a 2-0 win in the first leg in Lomé, Togo, to earn a 3-1 aggregate victory. This result confirms Nigeria’s spot at the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco, where they will aim to defend their record 10th title.
Ashley Plumptre put Nigeria ahead in the 13th minute with a header from Esther Okoronkwo’s corner, but Benin equalized in the 60th minute through Yasminath Djibril. Despite the draw, Nigeria’s earlier triumph ensured qualification.
Reflecting on the performance, Ajibade said “We weren’t overconfident because we expected a tough game. When we faced them in Lomé, we saw what they could do in the second half, and we knew they’d give their all here. A draw was huge for them, and they celebrated it, but we have to keep competing at the highest level and maintain our standards.”
She added“It wasn’t our best performance, but we’ll learn from it and focus on the next game.”
The 2026 WAFCON will also serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Ajibade, who plays for PSG, was recently awarded the 2024 Nigeria Pitch Award as the best female footballer in the country. On receiving the honour, she said.
“Special thanks to God Almighty for this incredible recognition. 2024 was a remarkable year filled with challenges and unforgettable moments that shaped me on and off the pitch.
This award is for every young girl who dares to play, every teammate who fought beside me, and every Nigerian and African who believes in women’s football. I stand here as a product of hard work, faith, and the collective strength of my country and teammates.”
Punch
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