Three years ago, Rasheedat Ajibade walked off the pitch at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, dejected and heartbroken. She had just received a red card for a professional foul in the semi-final of the 12th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), leaving Nigeria short-handed in a crucial encounter against hosts Morocco. Midfielder Halimatu Ayinde was also sent off, forcing the Super Falcons to play most of the second half and extra time with just nine players. Nigeria eventually lost the third-place match to Zambia, and both players were suspended for that game.
Those painful memories are ones Ajibade is determined to erase this Saturday when the Super Falcons face the Lionesses in the WAFCON 2025 final at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
Now captain of the team, Ajibade has evolved into a symbol of grit, leadership, and redemption. The 2025 edition of the tournament has seen her rise to become the Super Falcons’ standout performer and a driving force behind their march to the final – a campaign dubbed Mission X.
While her teammate Esther Okoronkwo picked up the Woman of the Match award in Nigeria’s tournament opener – a commanding 3-0 victory over Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium – Ajibade has since taken centre stage. She won the individual award in consecutive matches against Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa, firmly placing herself in contention for the prestigious Player of the Tournament honour.
Ahead of the tournament, Ajibade had expressed her optimism and focus during a Confederation of African Football (CAF) webinar. “For us, effort is everything,” she said. “We’ll demonstrate what we’re capable of and continue to build on our existing strengths. We have an incredible group of talented players. We’re all excited to be here. We know it won’t be easy, but we’re committed to showing up as our best selves.”
A quiet leader on and off the pitch, Ajibade draws strength not only from her teammates but also from history. The Super Falcons have never lost a WAFCON final since hosting the inaugural edition in 1998 – a record she hopes to uphold.
“We know pedigree and past achievements mean little in a match of this nature,” she acknowledged. “But records also serve to encourage and inspire people and groups to go all out when it matters most.”
On Saturday night in Rabat, Ajibade and the Super Falcons will aim to etch their names in gold once again – not just to maintain a legacy, but to finally banish the ghosts of Casablanca 2022.
Culled from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)
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