Super Falcons’ Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence was hanging by a thread. One defeat had already shaken the continent. Another could have pushed the Super Falcons to the brink of an unimaginable group-stage exit.
Standing in their way were Zambia’s dangerous Copper Queens, armed with the lethal attacking duo of Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji.
Then, just before halftime, Nigeria’s task became even more daunting after Oluwatosin Demehin was shown a red card, forcing the defending champions to play with 10 women for more than half of the contest.
Yet somehow, the Super Falcons refused to surrender.
Asisat Oshoala’s early strike proved enough to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory, breathing life back into Nigeria’s campaign.
Now, captain Rasheedat Ajibade has revealed the mentality that inspired the remarkable triumph, insisting the players stepped onto the pitch knowing there was only one acceptable outcome.
The Super Falcons entered the clash under immense pressure following their shock 3-2 opening defeat to tournament debutants Malawi.
For Ajibade, the victory over Zambia was not about revenge, it was about survival. The skipper admitted every player understood what was at stake before kickoff.
Before the must-win match, Ajibade said, “We knew that we just have 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.”
