Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, has called for stronger structural support to elevate Nigeria’s women’s football team from continental champions to global contenders.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the team was hosted by President Bola Tinubu at the State House on Monday, Ajibade stressed the need for proper preparations and professional conditions for the players.
“Nigeria has dominated African football for years,” she said. “It’s time we translated that success to the world stage. We want to be global contenders, not just local champions.”
Ajibade, who formerly played for Atlético Madrid Femenino, noted that while the Falcons’ record 10-time WAFCON titles show their continental dominance, their best World Cup result remains a quarter-final finish. Similarly, they have yet to go beyond the last eight at the Olympic Games.
She said the recent WAFCON triumph in Morocco proves the team can aim higher if given the right support. “When we talk of support, I’m referring to proper tournament preparations, professional player welfare, and access to world-class facilities.”
Ajibade also described President Tinubu’s reception and reward package — which included $100,000 and national honours for each player — as a major morale booster.
“Our vision is bold. We want to become the best women’s football team in the world,” she said. “We dream of standing at the top of the global stage, not just as competitors, but as champions.”
Ajibade urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), National Sports Commission (NSC), and the federal government to sustain and enhance their support, saying it would create a pathway for future generations of Super Falcons to aim even higher.
“Nigeria is not just a participant in global football — we can be a leader,” she said.
Nigeria has featured in every FIFA Women’s World Cup since its inception in 1991, reaching the knockout stages in 1999, 2019, and 2023. In their most recent outing, they pushed England to a penalty shootout in the round of 16.
