Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade insists she feels no pressure ahead of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as she prepares to lead Nigeria’s title charge in Morocco.
“It’s a privilege and a huge honour to captain the Super Falcons of Nigeria,” Ajibade said.
“It’s a huge responsibility and I do not take it for granted, but to be honest, there’s no pressure at all.”
The Atlético Madrid forward, who won the Golden Boot at the last tournament and helped Nigeria to the 2018 title, says she has learned to thrive in high-pressure situations.
“Even if there is pressure, I’ve learned to manage every situation I find myself in. I choose to perceive it positively and use it to help the team in the best possible way.”
Ajibade returns to familiar territory as the tournament heads back to Morocco, where Nigeria finished fourth in 2022.
“Coming back to Morocco and playing this tournament is always a dream come true for me because it’s the biggest competition in Africa. That’s what makes it so special for me,” she added.
“As a team and personally, we are going to be competing to win it.”
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The Super Falcons, nine-time champions and Africa’s most successful women’s side, open their Group B campaign on July 6 against Tunisia. They will also face Botswana and Algeria in the group stage.
With $1 million on offer for the winners — the biggest prize in WAFCON history — the stakes are higher than ever.
Veterans Asisat Oshoala, Osinachi Ohale, and Francisca Ordega bring vital experience to the squad, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, named Africa’s best for the second year running, remains a rock between the sticks.
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South Africa enter the tournament as defending champions, while Morocco — the 2022 finalists — will aim to impress on home soil again. But Ajibade believes Nigeria has what it takes to reclaim their crown.
