Super Falcons Captain Rasheedat Ajibade Criticizes NFF Over Poor WAFCON 2026 Preparations
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has publicly criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over what she describes as inadequate preparations for the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) and the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers. In a series of Instagram stories posted on April 9, 2026, Ajibade questioned the federation's commitment and professionalism, sparking concerns about Nigeria's readiness for crucial international tournaments.
Ajibade's Vocal Criticism on Social Media
Ajibade, who has emerged as one of the most vocal leaders in Nigerian women's football, expressed her frustration directly to her followers. "We are just preparing for the women's African Cup of Nations; we are also fighting for World Cup qualification… so why are we not preparing with the seriousness and intensity this demands? Abeg wetin be all this one, for how long?" she posted. Her remarks highlight growing discontent among players regarding the team's disrupted build-up, which has left the Super Falcons without competitive matches ahead of WAFCON in Morocco.
Disrupted Preparations and Cancelled Friendlies
The Super Falcons' scheduled friendlies against Cape Verde were unexpectedly cancelled, depriving the team of valuable match practice. This cancellation has compounded frustrations, as players feel unprepared for the high-stakes competitions. Ajibade further emphasized the lack of urgency by sharing screenshots of informal communication from NFF officials about camp dates, which she described as unprofessional and indicative of poor planning.
Mounting Pressure on Nine-Time African Champions
As nine-time African champions, the Super Falcons face immense pressure to perform well at WAFCON 2026 while simultaneously securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. The team's success is critical for maintaining Nigeria's dominance in women's football on the continent and globally. Ajibade's public outcry underscores the need for improved support and organization from the NFF to ensure the team can compete at its best.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Women's Football
This incident raises broader questions about the NFF's handling of women's football programs. With key tournaments on the horizon, stakeholders are calling for more structured and professional approaches to team preparations. Ajibade's bold stance may inspire further advocacy for better resources and attention to the women's national team, potentially leading to reforms in how the federation manages its responsibilities.
