Ajibade, Woman of the match in Super Falcons’ win dreams trophy

Atletico Madrid star Rasheedat Ajibade claimed the Woman of the Match prize as the Super Falcons sealed a place in the semi-final of the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations following a 1-0 win against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon on Thursday night.

Ajibade scored the winning goal for the  defending champions in the 57th minute of the keenly contested encounter.

The Atletico Madrid striker was set up for the winner by a beautiful cross from Ifeoma Onumonu.

Ajibade has now scored three goals and provided two assists in four outings for the Super Falcons in Morocco.

She was in action for 90 minutes in the game.

But Ajibade has put Cameroon win behind her she is now dreaming of a tenth trophy for Nigeria.  

“I dedicate this trophy to my entire team. These girls are just fantastic. Without them, I will not be here before you with this reward,” Ajibade said at the post-match presentation.

Nigerian journalists in Morocco have noted that this Super Falcons squad going for their record-extending 10th WAFCON title is possibly one of the most close-knit Nigerian teams fans of African women's football have ever seen.

Despite the criticism that came following their opening match loss against South Africa, the Nigerians seemed to have been unperturbed and focused on their goal of becoming African champions once again.

The number 15, instantly recognizable by her blue hair, was proud to have scored the goal that sent the Super Falcons to the World Cup 2023.
 “Nigeria could not afford to be absent for this meeting. There's a new generation of Super Falcons, who arrive hungry and deserve for the world to see their talent. We know what we came here for, we want to leave with the cup, our decima,” Ajibade says with the trademark Nigerian shakara.

Next, the Super Falcons face the passionate Moroccans and their fanatical home fans at Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah cauldron in the semifinals next Monday.