Ajibade calls for better preparation after World Cup failure

Rasheedat Ajibade has called for increased discipline and better preparation within the Super Falcons following their failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. Nigeria's hopes for the tournament ended after a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in a playoff match.

This loss marks the first time in history that the nation has failed to secure a place at the FIFA Women's World Cup. The defeat followed a difficult week for Nigerian football, as the squad faced scrutiny for a perceived lack of intensity and overconfidence during the WAFCON tournament.

Ajibade, who played every minute of the campaign, noted that the team must move away from a sense of invincibility. The Paris Saint-Germain forward, who struggled for form against Cameroon and South Africa, stated that the squad must learn not to be lax due to the increasing level of competition.

She emphasized that the players need to demand more from themselves both as individuals and as a group. Ajibade suggested that the team must focus on improving their preparation and maintaining higher standards to avoid such outcomes in the future.

The failure to qualify is expected to cause significant structural and financial challenges for the Nigeria Football Federation. A major overhaul of both the NFF and the Super Falcons' organizational setup is anticipated in the coming weeks.