WAFCON 2022: Plumtree set for return as Ajibabe, Ebi speaks ahead of Cameroon clash

Super Falcons striker Rasheedat Ajibade said that they will be ready for the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in Thursday’s quarterfinal duel of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Ajibade scored a goal and had three assists in the Falcons’ 4-0 demolition of the Swallows of Burundi on Sunday night in the final Group C tie to ensure Nigeria cruise to the last eight as second in the group behind the Banyana Banyana of South Africa who won all their group games.

“We know that we will be up against a tough side and we shall be ready for them. We know for us to be champions again we must be able to beat all the teams we face,” the Atletico Madrid attacker said.

“I am excited to play the way I did and to score and create opportunities for my teammates. We knew we must score as many goals as possible to help boost our confidence ahead of the next game with Cameroon,” she added.

Meanwhile, Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum has accepted that the team’s second-half performance in the win over Burundi was awful and he pinned the blame on the substitutes he introduced to give some of the regulars room to rest ahead of the next game.

Waldrum said: “Yes we were better in the first half, but maybe the changes in the second half affected our play.

“There’s a lot we need to work on, we can be better and we will sort some of these things out before the quarterfinals.”

Meanwhile, Super Falcons skipper, Onome Ebi has insisted that she won’t be forced to retire from the women’s senior national team against her wish.

Ebi featured in all the Super Falcons’ three group games and the 39 –year-old disclosed that she’s raring to go on and will only leave the scene at her own accord.

“Super Falcons is not an underage team, I will keep playing so far I’m fit and my body can still play,” Ebi explained.“ I don’t listen to criticism over my age, when I am tired, I will stop. For now, I’m enjoying the game.”

Waldrum has stated that Leicester City defender, Ashleigh Plumtree is in pole position to stage a return to the Nigeria team in the quarterfinal clash against Cameroon.

He said the defender has resumed training and would be ready for the quarter-final tie with Cameroon.

“She’s fit and ready to play, it is my job to protect the players and ensure they are in top shape. She trained yesterday and she will be available for Cameroon,” Waldrum said.