By Kunle Awosiyan
Rasheedat Ajibade has once again proven herself as the heart and spirit of the Super Falcons. In a night that tested the limits of endurance, composure, and sheer belief, Ajibade led a remarkable turnaround that saw Nigeria rise from a 0-2 deficit to clinch the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title for the 10th time.
Saturday’s final against host nation Morocco in Rabat was a dramatic reaffirmation of Nigeria’s “Never-Say-Die” spirit. It was reminiscent of past glories, but also uniquely powerful in its own right, a triumph not just of tactics, but of will.
Nigerian captains continue to deliver in grand moments. At the last men’s AFCON, it was William Troost-Ekong who emerged Most Valuable Player. Last night, it was Ajibade who claimed the same honour, further cementing her legacy as one of Africa’s finest footballing leaders.
As I celebrated the Super Falcons this Sunday morning, two songs echoed in my heart — "Made It Through the Storm" by gospel singer Angela Adams, and "Kiss an Angel Good Morning" by country legend Charley Pride.
When Nigeria trailed 0-2, I refused to be overwhelmed by Morocco’s precision or their pressing momentum. I fixed my eyes on Ajibade. The camera caught her smiling. Not out of arrogance, but calm defiance. A sign that all was not lost.
Her composure offered silent reassurance. Even as the Falcons looked disjointed in the early stages, fatigued legs, scattered passes, and waning confidence. she refused to bow. Instead, she rallied her teammates, urging them to fight back.
The first 25 minutes painted a gloomy picture: a team struggling for identity. But deep within the squad stirred a voice, that familiar Nigerian voice that says, “We can still do this.”
Then came the lifeline, a penalty, calmly converted by Esther Okoronkwo. That goal was the pivot. The spark. From that moment, the Super Falcons rebuilt themselves, one pass, one tackle, one push at a time until they wrested the game back from Morocco’s grip.
Unlike the heartbreak of the Super Eagles’ loss to Ivory Coast earlier this year, this morning was different. This time, I woke up to kiss an angel. because last night, the Super Falcons soared.
For their achievement, Nigeria’s women were awarded $1 million (over ₦1.5 billion), following a 100% increase in prize money by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The total WAFCON prize pool was raised by 45%, a testament to CAF’s growing investment in women’s football.
CAF has also directed that 30% of the prize money be allocated directly to the players,a significant boost and a symbolic recognition of the heroes on the pitch.
From the edge of despair to continental glory, the Falcons have written another golden chapter in Nigerian football. And it all began with belief and a smile.