Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has conceded Nigeria’s performance in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against Benin Republic fell below their usual level. Despite the result, she denied claims of player overconfidence during the WAFCON qualifier.
Nigeria secured their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 aggregate victory. This followed their 2-0 first-leg win in Lomé last Friday.
Defender Ashleigh Plumptre headed Nigeria into an early lead from Esther Okoronkwo’s 13th-minute corner in Abeokuta. Benin equalized through Yasminath Djibril on the hour mark, forcing the hosts to settle for a draw.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward explained: “We weren’t overconfident. We expected Benin’s intensity after their second-half showing in Lomé. They had nothing to lose here.”
Ajibade added: “Their celebration showed how big this draw was for them. We must maintain our standards, push harder, and improve. While not our best, we’ll learn from this.”
The 2026 WAFCON in Morocco will double as Africa’s qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Personally, Ajibade celebrated winning Nigeria’s 2024 Pitch Award for Best Female Footballer. She stated: “Special thanks to God for this honour. 2024 brought challenges and growth moments. This award inspires me and every aspiring girl footballer.”
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