Ajibade: Nigeria ready for the “intense” wafcon final against Morocco, minimizing personal glory

The captain of Nigeria Rasheedat Ajibade says that the Super Falcons are fully prepared for what promises to be a fierce and very competitive confrontation against Morocco during the final of the African Female Nations Cup 2024.

Justine Madugu’s team has outlined the Arch rivals and reigning champions in South Africa, while the Atlas lionesses exceeded Black Queens in an exciting penalty shootout to reserve their place in the final.

When the two teams enter the field at the Rabat Olympic stadium on Saturday, the title will be to be won; But with contrasting ambitions. The Nigeria continues a 10th record crown, nicknamed “Mission X”, while the hosts of Morocco hope to capture their very first title of the Cup of Nations of Women’s Africa.

The former Atletico Madrid star admits that the final will not be easy, but insists that his team will approach it with the same spirit that invalids them throughout the tournament.

“First of all, we are really grateful to have done so far. Achieving the final is a blessing, but as always, we take a game at a time,“Ajibade said Flashscore.com.

“It is the last and most important match of the tournament. We will approach it with the same confidence and the same concentration that led us from the group phase. Nothing changes and this state of mind and this belief remain intact.

“We know that this final will require even more of us mentally, physically, emotionally and tactically.

“It will be intense, very competitive and stimulating. But we engage the game in the hands of God, as we always do. We will play our role with everything we have and trust him to crown our efforts.”

The last of Saturday marks the fourth meeting between Nigeria and Morocco during the Biennial African centerpiece. Their last meeting ended with a 1-1 draw, Morocco praising the Super Falcons 5-4 on penalties in the semi-final of the previous edition.

Coach Jorge Vilda will count on the deadly duo of Ibtissam Jraidi and Ghizlane Chebbak to reduce the brightness of the Super Falcons.

Ajibade: national pride of personal glory

As a team captain, Ajibade was the engine of the impressive campaign of the Super Falcons.

FC Robo Great is firmly underway to be appointed player of the Wafcon 2024 tournament, having won the honors of the match of the match three times; The latest arrival in the semi-finals against South Africa.

However, the 25 -year -old remains humble, keeping the emphasis on the ultimate goal of the team rather than on individual distinctions.

“I was honored to receive three prizes from the match player so far, and honestly, all that I can say is: to God alone glory. I did not expect, I did not play with this goal in mind,” She continued.

“Whenever I walk on the ground, it’s simply to give me everywhere to my teammates. I play with my mind, my soul, my body and with each drop of sweat and each ounce of effort.

“Winning three prizes is humiliating, but it’s not only for me, it’s a team success. If I could, I would share it with each of my teammates because we did it together.

“This recognition is also for each young girl who dreamed of becoming a professional footballer one day. I am not proud of my own strength, but of the power of God which is really at work in me.”

She added: “What matters most is Mission X and it goes beyond individual prices. This trip is a question of teamwork, collective efforts and to achieve a common goal.

“What supported my consistency and my impact throughout the tournament is nothing other than the grace and mercy of God.”

Ajibade, the spouse’s spouse of Nigeria at Wafcon 2022, is proud of captain of a team that mixes experienced veterans with exciting new talents.

“Leading the Super Falcons to the final of Wafcon 2024 in this Mission X trip, I am deeply grateful to all-powerful God by our Lord Jesus Christ,” Ajibade said.

“It is a mixture of emotions and I feel excited, humiliated and really blessed to have captain’s responsibility for such an exceptional and inspiring team.

“It is an honor that I do not hold for granted. Although the weight of leadership is great, I am grateful for grace that God gave me to carry it with strength and goal.”

Before making its international senior debut in 2018, Ajibade represented Nigeria at the U17 and U20 levels.