Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, says the players are ready to give their best in the upcoming 2024 WAFCON tournament in Morocco, despite the distractions the team has endured in recent times, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Ajibade scored a brace as the Falcons beat Cameroon 2-0 in a friendly match at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta on Tuesday.
It was the first time the team was regrouping since November 2024, having missed two international windows this year.
The last time the 11-time African champions were kept busy during the international break was in November 2024, when they lost 2-1 to France in a high-profile friendly.
Before then, they hosted Algeria in a two-legged friendly game played in Lagos and Ikenne in October 2024.
With about a month to the start of the WAFCON, the Nigeria Football Federation had arranged a two-legged friendly against the Indomitable Lionesses, but it was reduced to one due to logistics.
After the game on Tuesday, Ajibade reflected on the team’s performance and their task of winning a 10th WAFCON title in Morocco next month.
“Right now, the mood is positive. Even though there are back-and-forth distractions, we understand the responsibilities that lie ahead.
“As players, it’s an honour to play for the nation. We’re positive, we’re excited, and we’re looking forward to the tournament. Of course, we will give our best as always,” she said.
The 2024 WAFCON will be played from July 5 to 26 in Morocco.
Nigeria are in Group B where they will face Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana.
The 2024 WAFCON will also be key to Ajibade’s career, as she is expected to join a new club ahead of next season.
The striker bade farewell to Atletico Women at the end of last season after spending four years, making 139 appearances and scoring 40 goals.
Her time at the club was decorated with two major trophies, the 2021 Spanish Super Cup and the 2023 Copa de la Reina while establishing herself as one of the most pivotal figures in the squad.
