Super Falcons’ captain Rasheedat Ajibade has revealed that the players had to overcome nerves and rely on team spirit to secure their dramatic 2-1 semi-final victory over South Africa at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
Speaking after the match at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Ajibade admitted that the Falcons felt the pressure during the tense encounter, but were determined to stay united and focused. According to Sports247, that determination paid off when Michelle Alozie scored the winning goal deep into added time, sending Nigeria into the final and keeping their hopes alive for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
Ajibade, who scored Nigeria’s first goal from the penalty spot just before half-time, described the contest as difficult, but not unexpected.
“Every game in this tournament has been difficult. That’s why we give a different approach to each game,” she said. “Before playing against South Africa, we already knew what to expect. We understand their competitive nature. They are a very good, technical and intelligent side.”
South Africa equalised through a second-half penalty, but the Super Falcons remained composed. Ajibade credited their composure and mental strength for helping them hold on and eventually find the late winner.
“We’ve played them in different competitions several times, and we were ready for whatever tricks that came our way,” she explained. “We are also a very visible, technical and intelligent side. So, we are always ready for games like this.
“We love to play the best of teams, and that’s where you see the best of Super Falcons. We stuck to the gameplan that our coach gave us. We worked hard, and we got the result we wanted.”
Ajibade also shared that as the clock ticked towards full-time with the scores level, the players began to feel nervous. However, she said their unity kept them going.
“At a point, we were nervous, which is not unusual sometimes, but we were able to call ourselves to order,” she said. “What we did was come together, encourage one another and stick together. We made sure we pushed to the very end. It was a difficult and interesting game, but what matters is the final score, and that is the result which we got from this game.”
The Super Falcons will now turn their attention to the final as they continue their quest for continental glory.
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