Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, has revealed that Nigeria must build stronger structural support for the women’s team to move from dominating Africa to conquering the world.
Speaking after the team’s reception by President Bola Tinubu at the State House on Monday, Ajibade told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Nigeria’s success on the global stage depends on investment in the right infrastructure and planning.
Despite winning 10 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) titles, the Super Falcons’ best FIFA Women’s World Cup performance remains a quarter-final finish, and they are yet to go beyond the last eight at the Olympics.
Ajibade, a former Atlético Madrid Femenino star said the team’s recent WAFCON triumph in Morocco proved they can aim higher if given the right backing.
She called for urgent investment in facilities, professional conditions, and tournament preparation to elevate the team’s global standing.
”We want to be global contenders, not just local champions. We have dominated in Africa and it is time to take it to the world stage.
”So, all we need to do is just support and to keep promoting women football and set the platform for generations to come.
”When we talk of support, I am talking about proper preparations for tournaments and proper professional conditions for players,” she said.
Ajibade said that the warm reception from President Tinubu was a major morale boost that could inspire greater achievements.
”Our vision is bold. We want to become the best women’s football team in the world.
”We dream of standing at the top of the global stage, not just as competitors, but as champions.”
She emphasised the importance of world-class training infrastructure and player welfare to sustain success.
”To achieve this, we only seek the continued and enhanced support of the NFF, NSC and the Federal Government.
”With your partnership, we can have world-class training facilities, and we will be able to prepare in the best way possible, and create a pathway for the next generation of Super Falcons to score even higher.
”Together, we can show the world that Nigeria is not just a participant in global football, but a leader.” Ajibade said.
NAN reports that the Super Falcons have featured in every FIFA Women’s World Cup since 1991, reaching the knockout stage on three occasions – 1999 in (U.S.), 2019 in (France) and 2023 (Australia and New Zealand).
In their last outing in 2023, they stretched two-time European champions England to a penalty shootout in the second round.
