Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade delivered a compelling address at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, calling on the federal government and football stakeholders to build on the team’s WAFCON 2024 success by investing in the future of Nigerian women’s football.
Speaking at a state reception hosted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the 25-year-old forward expressed pride in the team’s achievement and urged for sustained and enhanced support to elevate the Falcons to global dominance.
“We are not content to rest on our laurels. Our vision is bold. We want to become the best women’s football team in the world,” Ajibade declared.
She thanked the Presidency, the Ministry of Sports, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and Nigerians home and abroad for their belief in the team, describing their support as “instrumental to our victory in this tournament.”
“This victory is not just a trophy. It’s a testament to the unyielding spirit of Nigeria. It’s a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream,” she said.
Rasheedat Ajibade alongside Super Falcons players lifting WAFCON 2024 trophy. Photo Credit: CAF
Ajibade recounted the Falcons’ run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they eliminated hosts Australia and advanced unbeaten from the group stage, saying it reflected “the strength and tenacity of Nigerians across the globe.”
While acknowledging the efforts already made by the government and NFF, she urged them to take the next step by providing better infrastructure, facilities, and long-term planning.
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“With your partnership, we can have world-class training facilities and prepare in the best way possible. We can create a pathway for the next generation of Super Falcons to soar even higher,” she said.
Ajibade also spoke about the unifying power of football in Nigeria:
“Football brings the nation joy. It brings oneness across religion, class and tribes in Nigeria. We want to keep making the nation happy and bringing more joy to Nigerians around the world.”
Photo Credit: CAF
The Super Falcons returned to Abuja on Monday following their dramatic 3–2 comeback win over Morocco in the WAFCON final their 10th title. The team received a grand welcome before meeting with the President.
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President Tinubu conferred Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honours on each player, alongside a three-bedroom apartment at the Renewed Hope Estate in Abuja and $100,000 in cash. Members of the technical crew were awarded $50,000 each.
Ajibade closed her address with a powerful message of unity and ambition:
“Let us inspire a mindset that sees no limit, that dares to dream big, and that unites in pursuit of excellence. With the right support and with the right condition, we can have the same playing field as our competitors. The Super Falcons are ready to soar higher and the sky is just the beginning.”
