Falcons captain Ajibade reveals lessons learnt from loss to S’Africa
The captain of the Super Falcons of Nigeria, Rasheedat Ajibade has opened up on the lessons learnt by her team following their 2-1 loss to South Africa in a play-in game on Thursday.
The Super Falcons suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Bayana Bayana of South Africa in the African playoffs to miss out of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
South Africa delivered a stunning display to dump Nigeria out of the race to qualify for the Women’s World Cup for the first time since the inception of the tournament in 1991.
The team coached by Desiree Ellis showed grit when Thembi Kgatkana gave the Bayana Bayana the lead in the 56th minute before Refiloe Jane made it 2-0 for her team in the 77th minute.
Christy Ucheibe scored a consolation goal for Nigeria from the penalty spot in the 93rd minute to make it 2-1 with South Africa holding on to keep their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup alive.
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Speaking moments after the crunchy encounter, Rasheedat said that her team has learnt that competition is fierce and they have also realised that they are not invincible.
”To be honest, my biggest lesson is just gratitude. We should be grateful,” she said.
”We should learn not to be lax because the competition is fierce now. We must realize we’re not invincible; we just need to prepare more, get better, and demand more of ourselves individually and collectively.” Rasheedat noted.
The implication of the team’s loss to South Africa is that Nigeria which has qualified for the World Cup Since the tournament’s inception in 1991 will now miss the next edition set to take place in Brazil next year.
This defeat shatters their proud 35-year streak as Africa’s ever-present global representatives at the Women’s World Cup.
