Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie added extra sparkle to Nigeria’s 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, title with standout individual awards.
Ajibade scored one goal and provided two assists during the tournament, but it was her all-round brilliance that helped push Nigeria across the finish line. She played a crucial role in dismantling Tunisia in the opening match and earned a spot in the tournament’s group stage best XI.
Nicknamed “The girl with the blue hair,” the Lagos-born forward was named Woman of the Match three times in a row against Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa. A top scorer at WAFCON 2022, Ajibade also displayed exceptional leadership throughout the competition in Morocco.
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She selflessly dropped from a forward position to energize the midfield and allowed teammate Esther Okoronkwo to take a penalty that began Nigeria’s comeback in the final. Ajibade later provided the assist for the winning goal.
A former youth international and 2018 WAFCON winner, Ajibade has now scored 20 goals for Nigeria since making her senior debut in 2018.
On her part, Nnadozie was outstanding between the sticks. She kept clean sheets from the group stage through to the quarterfinals and was only beaten from the spot in the semifinal clash with reigning champions South Africa.
Despite conceding twice in the final, Nnadozie was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament for her commanding performances.
The Super Falcons came from behind to defeat hosts Morocco 3–2 in a thrilling final on Saturday night in Rabat, lifting the trophy before a roaring home crowd.
Nigeria’s victory not only reaffirmed their dominance in African women’s football but also completed “Mission X” the team’s symbolic quest for a record 10th WAFCON crown. With this latest triumph, the Super Falcons solidify their legacy as the most successful team in the competition’s history.
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