Paris 2024 Olympics Qualifier: Rasheedat Ajibade dismisses South Africa threat

Nigeria’s captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, has dismissed any potential threat posed by South Africa ahead of the first leg of their 2024 Olympics qualifier clash on Friday, April 5th, in Abuja.

Ajibade, a versatile playmaker, emphasized that while the Super Falcons have long dominated women’s football in Africa, their focus remains firmly on the present and shaping their success on the pitch rather than dwelling on past achievements.

Ajibade reiterated that securing qualification for the Olympics is the team’s primary objective as she emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and professionalism amidst the pressure, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to handle the challenges.

“There is a little bit of stress, but we are coping and are going to manage everything well professionally,” Ajibade said an interview with NAN.

She rallied her teammates with a message of determination, urging them to give their all to secure victory for the country. Ajibade expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances, affirming her belief in a positive outcome on Friday.

“One word I will say to my team is, ‘let’s do it,’ let’s go all out to secure victory for the country. I am optimistic of a win on Friday,” she added.

The Super Falcons’ last appearance at the Olympics was in 2008 in Beijing, making this qualification campaign a significant milestone for the team.