Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has spoken out regarding Nigeria’s subpar performance at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The team was eliminated in the quarter-finals after a 1-0 loss to Cameroon.
The squad, managed by Justine Madugu, also missed out on a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. A 2-1 loss to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana prevented the 10-time African champions from securing a place in the inter-confederation playoffs.
Ajibade acknowledged the rapid evolution of the women’s game across the continent. She emphasized that the Super Falcons must increase their level of preparation for future competitions. Reflecting on the campaign, she expressed a need for gratitude while noting that the team can no longer rely on past reputation alone. She stressed that players must commit to self-improvement and higher collective standards because the competitive landscape has intensified.
