Lessons from World Cup setback — Super Falcons star Ajibade speaks out

Nigeria's disappointing campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and subsequent failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup have yielded valuable lessons, according to Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade.

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The team's World Cup hopes were dashed on Thursday following a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the inter-confederation playoff, a loss that came on the heels of Nigeria's quarter-final exit from the WAFCON at the hands of Cameroon.

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The loss to Cameroon, a 1-0 defeat, marked a historic low for Nigeria, as it was the first time the country failed to reach the semi-finals in the competition's history.

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Against South Africa, Nigeria trailed after goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane, with Christy Ucheibe's late strike proving insufficient to alter the outcome.

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Reflecting on the setback, Ajibade emphasized the importance of using the experience as a catalyst for improvement and better preparation for future competitions.

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Ajibade's personal takeaway from the ordeal was one of gratitude, as she noted that the team should appreciate the opportunities they have had.

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The captain also cautioned against complacency, stressing that the growing competitiveness of women's football in Africa demands a more rigorous approach from Nigeria.

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Ajibade warned that the team can no longer afford to be lax, instead urging her teammates to recognize their own mortality and strive for improvement through increased preparation and self-demand.

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Having played every minute of Nigeria's campaign in Morocco, Ajibade, along with several teammates, struggled to make a decisive impact in the knockout matches against Cameroon and South Africa.

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The loss to South Africa brought an end to Nigeria's unbroken streak of appearances at every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since the competition's inception in 1991.

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For Ajibade, the painful outcome presents an opportunity for the team to reevaluate its approach, with a greater emphasis on preparation, consistency, and collective responsibility necessary for future success.