Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) have come under intense scrutiny after Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade publicly criticized the Nigeria Football Federation over what she described as a lack of seriousness and urgency.
In a strongly worded social media post, Ajibade expressed frustration at the team’s inadequate build-up to the tournament, which also serves as a qualifying pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
“We are not just preparing for WAFCON, we are also fighting for World Cup qualification,” she wrote. “Our performance will determine whether we qualify, so why are we not preparing with the seriousness and intensity this demands? This is not something to take lightly, for God’s sake! I can’t cry. What is all this and for how long?”
Her outburst has reignited longstanding concerns about the administration of women’s football in Nigeria, with critics pointing to a pattern of neglect despite the team’s consistent success on the continent.
The Super Falcons have reportedly failed to fully utilize international FIFA windows for friendly matches, raising doubts about their readiness for the competition. Observers say this reflects a broader lack of commitment from the federation to sustain the team’s dominance in Africa.
Victor Oluwafemi, Senior Social Media Manager at Sporty TV, described Ajibade’s comments as another troubling chapter in the federation’s track record.
“She is untouchable, so I don’t expect repercussions,” he said, while noting that athletes in other sports might have switched national allegiance under similar circumstances.
He also recalled previous instances where players, in collaboration with FIFPRO, protested unpaid wages—highlighting persistent welfare issues within the team.
The stakes are particularly high this year, as the rescheduled WAFCON doubles as the official qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. With Nigeria’s men’s team already missing out on the upcoming global tournament, pressure is mounting on the Falcons to avoid a similar fate.
Despite the administrative challenges, the Super Falcons remain Africa’s most decorated women’s team, having clinched a record 10th continental title in Morocco last year. However, the gap between Nigeria and other African teams appears to be narrowing.
“It is regrettably sad that the most successful national team in Nigeria are always on the receiving side of the federation’s incompetence,” Oluwafemi added. “For a team without proper training kits, this neglect is both shocking and disgraceful.”
Still, optimism lingers among supporters who believe the squad has enough quality and resilience to defend their crown. South Africa is widely seen as their biggest challenger, but Nigeria’s pedigree continues to set them apart.
As WAFCON approaches, all eyes will be on the NFF to address these concerns—and on the players to rise above them once again.
