Three years ago, Rasheedat Ajibade walked off the pitch at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, dejected and heartbroken. She had just received a red card for a professional foul in the semi-final of the 12th Womens Africa Cup of Nations WAFCON, leaving Nigeria short-handed in a crucial encounter against hosts Morocco. Midfielder Halimatu Ayinde was also sent off, forcing the Super Falcons to play most of the second half and extra time with just nine players. Nigeria eventually lost the third-place match to Zambia, and both players were suspended for that game.
Those painful memories are ones Ajibade is determined to erase this Saturday when the Super Falcons face the Lionesses in the WAFCON 2025 final at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
Now captain of the team, Ajibade has evolved into a symbol of grit, leadership, and redemption. The 2025 edition of the tournament has seen her rise to become the Super Falcons standout performer and a driving force behind their march to the final - a campaign dubbed Mission X .
While her teammate Esther Okoronkwo picked up the Woman of the Match award in Nigerias tournament opener - a commanding 3-0 victory over Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium - Ajibade has since taken centre stage. She won the individual award in consecutive matches against Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa, firmly placing herself in contention for the prestigious Player of the Tournament honour.
Ahead of the tournament, Ajibade had expressed her optimism and focus during a Confederation of African Football CAF webinar. For us, effort is everything, she said. Well demonstrate what were capable of and continue to build on our existing strengths. We have an incredible group of talented players. Were all excited to be here. We know it wont be easy, but were committed to showing up as our best selves.