Super Falcons Captain, Ajibade Hails Squad Depth After Gritty Win Over Zambia
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria captain, Rasheedat Ajibade commended the quality of players in the team’s squad following their relentless slim win against Zambia despite playing with ten players for the majority of the encounter.
Nigeria produced a display of resilience to edge Zambia 1-0 in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C clash in Rabat on Saturday, keeping their title defence firmly on track despite playing more than half the match with 10 players.
Asisat Oshoala scored the decisive goal in the eighth minute. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade launched a long ball over the top that released the veteran striker, who converted on the rebound after the Zambia goalkeeper saved her initial effort. It was Oshoala’s 15th career WAFCON goal.
The contest shifted dramatically in the 40th minute when defender Tosin Demehin was shown a straight red card for bringing down Zambia captain Barbra Banda. Forced to play the remaining 50-plus minutes a player short, the Super Falcons defended stoutly.
Michelle Alozie earned Woman of the Match honours for an outstanding rearguard performance, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie also stood firm as Zambia pressed for an equaliser.
Speaking after the victory, Ajibade underlined the team’s mental strength and squad quality in the face of adversity.
“Thing can happen in football, red card or no red card we can cope,” Ajibade said.
“We have depth in our squad we have enough quality on the team, and we have to take each match as they come.”
The result was crucial for Nigeria. The Super Falcons had opened their campaign with a 3-2 defeat to debutants Malawi and needed a response to avoid early elimination.
The three points lift them to second in Group C on three points, level with Zambia but ahead on head-to-head. A win against Egypt in their final group game would secure a place in the quarter-finals and keep alive both their WAFCON title defence and hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Ajibade’s leadership and the collective resolve shown after the red card provided a clear statement of intent from the nine-time champions as they continue their quest for a 10th continental crown.
