Falcons ready to die on pitch – Ajibade

Nigeria's Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade declared the team's unwavering resolve to win their crucial second group match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, emphasizing their commitment to fight until the end. This determination followed a surprising 3-2 opening defeat to tournament debutants Malawi, which placed immense pressure on the 10-time African champions.

The team faced an even greater challenge when defender Oluwatosin Demehin received a red card before halftime, leaving Nigeria to play with 10 women for over half of the match against Zambia's potent attacking duo. However, Asisat Oshoala's early eighth-minute strike proved decisive, securing a vital 1-0 win and Nigeria's first clean sheet of the tournament. The victory significantly boosted their chances of advancing from the group stage.

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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.

Ajibade spoke about the players' mindset, stating there was no room for complacency after the Malawi setback. "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. She also revealed that her faith was a significant source of strength, particularly after the red card incident. "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," Ajibade explained.

Despite Zambia's sustained pressure in the second half, Nigeria's goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie delivered a strong performance, and the defense held firm to protect their lead. Ajibade insisted that panic never set in, as the players maintained their belief in achieving the necessary result. The win has revitalized Nigeria's campaign, and they now need at least a draw against Egypt in their final group match to guarantee a spot in the knockout stage, as they pursue a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.

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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. 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.