Coach Justine Madugu has backed captain Rasheedat Ajibade to lift the Super Falcons to greater glory.
Ajibade has now steered Nigeria to within a game of reaching the championship game of the delayed 2024 WAFCON.
“Rasheedat has done well for the team so far, which accounted for her making the Team of the Group Stage and winning two Woman of the Match awards in four games,” Madugu told Cafonline.com
“She has been carrying the team along with her energy and exemplary leadership on the field of play.”
He added that her selection as captain wasn’t a coincidence but a deliberate act based on observable leadership attributes.
“Yes, we saw the leadership qualities in her—her commitment, relationship with the players and the commanding, encouraging, and inspiring role she plays on the field,” he explained.
“Some persons are born with innate leadership qualities which when recognized early can be exploited. We were inspired by those qualities and felt she could hold the team together.”
“She’s had tremendous impact on the team’s goal scoring with assists in the first and last games against Zambia,” Madugu continued.
“We try to encourage her to be herself, remain humble and not be distracted by any negativities.
“We’re both working closely to propel the team to greater heights.”
Ajibade herself has promised the Super Falcons will remain focused as they seek a record-extending 10th WAFCON crown.
“For me as captain, it’s all about doing it for the young girls looking up to us, and for the Nigerian people who believe in us—and for ourselves. It’s about doing what we know how to do to the best of our abilities,” she said.
“First, it was God’s grace and mercy, then it was our mentality—for us to be the best, we have to beat the best teams.
“It hasn’t been easy playing from the beginning of the tournament without conceding a goal. We continue to take one game at a time and not lose our focus. The celebration will continue as long as the Lord is on the throne.”
.“I commend the defensive department and the goalkeeper for the clean sheets. We will continue to make history for ourselves as players and keep setting the standard for those coming behind us.
“We thank Nigerians for their support. To be honest, their support has been instrumental in this tournament. They should continue to cheer us.”
