Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has said creating a safe environment for female footballers must remain the foundation of women’s football development, insisting that player welfare should come before infrastructure or other investments.
Speaking during Nigeria’s official pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s opening Group C match against Malawi at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Ajibade was asked what African football must do to encourage more girls to embrace the sport.
Rather than focusing first on facilities or funding, the Nigeria captain pointed to the importance of ensuring players feel protected, respected and heard.
“First we have to create the right environment where an athlete is safe to speak, safe to express herself, and finds a place of comfort where she can confide in her coaches and the people around her.
“If you have infrastructure but don’t have the right environment, you won’t retain athletes.”
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Ajibade said lasting progress in women’s football depends on building a culture where players can develop with confidence before expanding facilities or competitions.
“Everything starts with building a safe environment, then infrastructure, the right people, and players using their platforms to advocate and serve as role models.”
Her remarks come after the Super Falcons endured an unsettling build-up to the tournament in Morocco.
Several Nigerian players reported that money had been stolen from their rooms while the squad stayed at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca before relocating to Rabat for the competition. Moroccan authorities have since arrested a hotel employee following an investigation into the incident.
Some members of the squad, including Esther Okoronkwo, were also subjected to racist abuse on social media after speaking publicly about the alleged thefts. Okoronkwo responded by urging unity and declaring that the team remained focused on its football objectives.
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Ajibade did not directly reference either incident during Monday’s press conference. Instead, she spoke broadly about the environment required for female athletes to thrive, maintaining that safety, trust and strong leadership are essential for the continued growth of the women’s game across Africa.
