Super Falcons ready to give their all, Ajibade

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has said Nigeria’s players are ready to give everything on the pitch rather than face back-to-back defeats at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Ajibade spoke about their second group game as the 10-time African champions fought hard, even after a red card, to earn a crucial 1-0 win over Zambia in Morocco.

Nigeria’s title defence was at risk after a surprising 3-2 loss to tournament newcomers Malawi. This left Justine Madugu’s team under serious pressure going into the match against Zambia.

Things got tougher just before halftime when defender Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off for fouling Zambia captain Barbra Banda. This meant the Super Falcons had to play with 10 players for most of the match.

Asisat Oshoala’s goal in the eighth minute was enough to secure the win against Zambia’s strong attackers, Banda and Rachael Kundananji. Nigeria held on for their first win and clean sheet of the tournament.

After the match, Ajibade explained that the players knew they could not afford to relax after the loss to Malawi.

"Well, not from the anger of the Malawi game. We knew that we just had to win. It’s either we die on that pitch, you know. So we’re playing with every energy, the strength, the spirit within us to win this game. So there’s no time to relax," she said.

The Nigeria captain also shared that her faith helped her stay calm when Demehin was sent off. She said she was not worried, even with Nigeria down to 10 players against one of Africa’s best attacking teams.

"Honestly, I wasn’t worried. I was going onto the pitch with the word of God because I knew when God said He’s going to help us, so I held on to God’s word," she said.

"When that red card came in, you know sometimes God does not do things in a very easy way. He does it in a way that everyone would know that He’s the one in charge and He takes all the glory in His hand," Ajibade added.

Zambia increased the pressure in the second half, but goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie had a strong performance, and the Nigerian defense held firm to protect Oshoala’s goal.

Ajibade insisted there was never any panic in the camp. The players always believed they would succeed.

This victory has boosted Nigeria’s chances of advancing from the group. They have an important final match against Egypt on Wednesday. The Super Falcons, aiming for a record 11th WAFCON title, need at least a draw against the Pharaohs to secure their place in the knockout stage.