Latest news with #RasheedatAjibade
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nigeria's victorious women footballers promised $100,000 each
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu hailed the women's national football team for their victory at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) at a grand celebratory reception where he promised them gifts and cash rewards. Hosting them at Aso Rock, the presidential residence, on Monday, Tinubu announced each player would get a $100,000 (£75,000) plus a three-bedroom apartment. The 24-woman squad cheered when they heard the news, but there have been criticism in the past that prizes promised by Nigerian governments have not materialised. Nigeria's Super Falcons - as the team is known - defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 on Saturday in a stunning second-half comeback, clinching their 10th Wafcon title. Tinubu said the victory was a "triumph of courage, determination and consistency" adding that at some point "didn't want to watch the match" because of the stress. "Today, you returned home as champions of Africa," he said. "We could not be prouder." On their arrival at the main airport in the capital, Abuja, the team had been welcomed by traditional dancers, drummers, journalists and government officials. They were then escorted to the presidential residence in a convoy. Tinubu conferred national honours, the Officer of the Order of the Niger, to all the players and staff, saying this was "on behalf of a grateful nation". Captain Rasheedat Ajibade said that her team's victory was for "every young girl in our villages, towns and cities who dares to dream". She also outlined her vision for the Super Falcons to become the best team in the world but said this can only happen with continued support from the football federation and government. The Super Falcons have won 10 of the 13 editions of Wafcon since it began in1998. The president described the latest win as a "milestone in the history of sport". While the players celebrated the extra gifts from the president, in the past, both the men's and women's national football teams in Nigeria have had repeated issues with the authorities over delayed payment of bonuses and salaries. The government has only just honoured its three-decade promise of new homes for the victorious men's team, the Super Eagles, which won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Falcons have several times been involved in sit-in protests during major tournaments over pay issues, including after their 2023 Women's World Cup run. There has also been concerns over pay disparities, and in recent years, fans have called for them to be paid the same as the Supee Eagles. Ahead of their final match on Saturday, Tinubu reportedly approved players' match allowances and bonuses, including backdated payments, adding that this would the standard practice in the future. You may also be interested in: What we learned from Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 Wafcon winner will stay in my heart forever - Echegini Watch: The Wafcon star who is also a doctor Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Africa Daily Focus on Africa
BBC News
29-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Nigeria Wafcon: Victorious players promised $100,000 cash award and apartment
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu hailed the women's national football team for their victory at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) at a grand celebratory reception where he promised them gifts and cash them at Aso Rock, the presidential residence, on Monday, Tinubu announced each player would get a $100,000 (£75,000) plus a three-bedroom 24-woman squad cheered when they heard the news, but there have been criticism in the past that prizes promised by Nigerian governments have not Super Falcons - as the team is known - defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 on Saturday in a stunning second-half comeback, clinching their 10th Wafcon title. Tinubu said the victory was a "triumph of courage, determination and consistency" adding that at some point "didn't want to watch the match" because of the stress."Today, you returned home as champions of Africa," he said. "We could not be prouder."On their arrival at the main airport in the capital, Abuja, the team had been welcomed by traditional dancers, drummers, journalists and government officials. They were then escorted to the presidential residence in a conferred national honours, the Officer of the Order of the Niger, to all the players and staff, saying this was "on behalf of a grateful nation".Captain Rasheedat Ajibade said that her team's victory was for "every young girl in our villages, towns and cities who dares to dream".She also outlined her vision for the Super Falcons to become the best team in the world but said this can only happen with continued support from the football federation and Super Falcons have won 10 of the 13 editions of Wafcon since it began in1998. The president described the latest win as a "milestone in the history of sport".While the players celebrated the extra gifts from the president, in the past, both the men's and women's national football teams in Nigeria have had repeated issues with the authorities over delayed payment of bonuses and government has only just honoured its three-decade promise of new homes for the victorious men's team, the Super Eagles, which won the 1994 Africa Cup of Super Falcons have several times been involved in sit-in protests during major tournaments over pay issues, including after their 2023 Women's World Cup has also been concerns over pay disparities, and in recent years, fans have called for them to be paid the same as the Supee of their final match on Saturday, Tinubu reportedly approved players' match allowances and bonuses, including backdated payments, adding that this would the standard practice in the future. You may also be interested in: What we learned from Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024Wafcon winner will stay in my heart forever - EcheginiWatch: The Wafcon star who is also a doctor Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
CAF
29-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Rasheedat Ajibade named WAFCON 2024 Best Player
Published: Monday, 28 July 2025 She came. She saw. She conquered. Rasheedat Ajibade is the TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 Woman of the Tournament after guiding Nigeria to their 10th record-extending title. Captain fantastic in every aspect, the 25-year-old Ajibade has been instrumental in inspiring the Super Falcons to a historic achievement – winning 10 of 13 editions. Magical even. From the opening whistle to the final game, she stood tall even when the odds looked like they were against her. Just like the leader that she is, she displayed her relentlessness and embraced the moment and never looked back. When she was invited to the photoshoot with the new WAFCON trophy prior to the start of the tournament at the iconic Hassan II Tower, she looked at it and promised herself that Nigeria would lift this beautiful crown. It is that will to gather her troops every time that they walked onto the field that led her to this moment – the moment where Nigeria once again, conquered Africa. From strength to strength Vocal on and off the field, Ajibade has shown her quality every time that she has stepped onto the field of play. The blue-haired girl from Lagos poured her heart into this campaign, often seen urging her teammates to stay locked in even if it helps that they are already motivated. When her team needed a spark, she lit it. In whatever role she was assigned, she scanned for spaces occasionally, made passes in the tighest of angles and kept Nigeria's opponents guessing. She exploited the athleticism of her team in ways that came face-to-face with the weaknesses of their opponents and with that, she dictated the tempo of each game. She earned three Woman of the Match Awards against Botswana, Zambia and South Africa while finding the back of the net once – a penalty against South Africa's Andile Dlamini who was yet to score until that point. This is the second time that Ajibade is being awarded at the WAFCON after she walked away with the Joint Top Scorer Award at the 2022 edition – tied with Ghizlane Chebbak of Morocco and South Africa's Hildah Magaia. Legacy attained For Ajibade, two TotalEnergies WAFCON titles in the bag and a silver medal on top of the individual awards, this is the stuff of dreams. The stage was set in Morocco and this time, the Nigerians achieved their revenge. The Atlas Lionesses had stunned the Super Falcons in the semifinals three years ago (5-4 penalties; 1-1) after the latter went down by two players. As Ajibade received her award inside the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, emotional after this achievement, she appreciated the recognition. An inspiration to many a girl in Africa and the world, Ajibade continues to write her own chapter in a sea of success at home and abroad.
Yahoo
27-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rasheedat Ajibade: Best player of the 2024 Women's AFCON
The Nigerian captain shone with her offensive impact and leadership throughout the tournament Rasheedat Ajibade: Best player of the 2024 Women's AFCON Rasheedat Ajibade was crowned best player of the 2024 Women's AFCON this Saturday, July 26, in Rabat. The Super Falcons striker and captain stood out in this competition, leading her team to their tenth continental title, clinched against Morocco (3-2) in the final. Nigeria secured their tenth continental crown by defeating Morocco 3-2 after coming from behind in a fiercely contested final. Showing her presence on every front, Rasheedat Ajibade efficiently guided her team from the group stage all the way to the final. The Nigerian captain delivered two assists in total and scored once, finding the net from the penalty spot in the semi-final against South Africa. Her ability to create space, orchestrate attacks, and constantly pressure opposing defenses proved decisive in the Super Falcons' campaign. The Atlético de Madrid player was awarded Player of the Match against Zambia in the quarter-finals and against South Africa in the semi-finals.
BBC News
26-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Nigeria seal 10th Wafcon title after incredible comeback v Morocco
Update: Date: 23:23 BST Title: Post Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria The trophy goes up, the confetti flies! Nigeria are the Wafcon 2024 champions! Update: Date: 23:23 BST Title: Post Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Rasheedat Ajibade is primed for the trophy lift, winner's medal around her neck. Update: Date: 23:22 BST Title: Post Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Morocco are up to receive their runners-up medals after becoming the first country to lose two successive Wafcon finals. The manner in which they did so must make it even more painful, but should provide some consolation in time. They scored twice as many goals against Nigeria as the rest of the champions' opponents here put together. Jorge Vilda and his squad pose for an obligatory podium photo but it's a glum scene after another fine campaign. Update: Date: 23:16 BST Title: Captain fantastic Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Nigeria skipper Rasheedat Ajibade succeeds Ghizlane Chebbak as the winner of the player of the tournament award. Update: Date: 23:15 BST Title: Clinical Chebbak Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Ghizlane Chebbak claims the top scorer trophy, with five goals - including that memorable opener in the final. Update: Date: 23:13 BST Title: Safe hands Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Nigeria goalkeeper and Brighton newcomer Chiamaka Nnadozie is out to receive the Golden Glove from the assembled dignitaries. Update: Date: 23:11 BST Title: Get Involved Content: #bbcfootball on X, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply) Junaid: Clash of the giants. A thrilling Wafcon final. Emeka Ulor: Breathtaking, dramatic, emotional and boomastic! Update: Date: 23:07 BST Title: Post Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Tears on the Morocco bench. Hugs and dancing around the centre circle for Nigeria. The new-look Wafcon trophy is being brought out, although the usual ceremonials mean it will be a while until the winners get their hands on it. Update: Date: 23:01 BST Title: Post Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Morocco icon Ghizlane Chebbak is consoled as she makes her way off. The forward struck a wonderful 13th-minute opener and must have thought her side were on course for victory when Sanaa Mssoudy doubled the advantage 11 minutes later as part of a serene first half for the Atlas Lionesses. Nigeria came out on the attack and, eventually, turned the game around - via that late overturned handball decision that would have given Chebbak a chance to make it 3-2 to her side with minutes remaining. Update: Date: 23:01 BST Title: For Nigeria, the spoils Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria What a comeback. This stadium is emptying out quicker than I'd imagined at half-time. Nigeria head over to that small pocket of loyal supports in celebration. Esther Okoronkwo is named as player of the match and it's no surprise after her incredible role in that comeback. She ends the tournament with two goals and six assists. There is a four-minute countdown to the presentation. There won't be many left to watch it. Update: Date: 22:58 BST Title: Post Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Nigeria's small band of fans rejoice wildly. Their players drop to the turf, then return to their feet to begin the party. Morocco and the home nation fans are stunned after a cruel defeat. It's a record-extending 10th continental title for the team who have dominated this competition. Update: Date: 22:57 BST Title: FULL-TIME Content: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Mission X is accomplished - Nigeria are the Wafcon champions with a sensational comeback! The Super Falcons were firmly on track to lose a Wafcon final for the first time after a whimper of a first-half display, deservedly going in 2-0 behind. Three goals inside 22 minutes seal an astouning end to these finals - the last coming two minutes from time from Jennifer Echegini, who had been on the pitch for less than 30 minutes. Update: Date: 90+4 mins Title: Post Content: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Nigeria are doing the attacking. Deborah Abiodun thunders a long-range shot just wide. Update: Date: 90+2 mins Title: Post Content: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Nigeria's Michelle Alozie and Esther Okoronkwo make way for Sikiratu Isah and Shukurat Oladipo. The starters are asked to leave the field more quickly. Nigeria are closing in on glory - but Morocco want to change the course of history. Update: Date: 22:51 BST Title: INJURY TIME Content: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Six minutes of added time. Morocco were 2-0 ahead in the 63rd minute. They'll be desperate to add an even later twist to this astonishing final. Update: Date: 22:48 BST Title: GOAL - Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Content: Jennifer Echegini Nigeria have turned it around with a late goal that could just win the Wafcon title! This is remarkable. Esther Okoronkwo whips one of her trademark inviting crosses in from the left, and the substitute arrives with her right leg in front of goal. It's not the cleanest of connections from Jennifer Echegini but it's a firm one, beating Khadija Errmichi by steering the ball into the right-hand corner of the goalkeeper's net. Minutes after Morocco thought they had a penalty to make it 3-2, Nigeria are in front! Update: Date: 87 mins Title: Post Content: Morocco 2-2 Nigeria Morocco goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi comes out to punch a cross and connects with the unfortunate Ashleigh Plumptre, who was challenging for Nigeria and takes a substantial whack. Both are OK after initially going to ground. Update: Date: 85 mins Title: Post Content: Morocco 2-2 Nigeria Oluwatosin Demehin clenched her fists and dropped to her knees in relief after that initial penalty call was overturned. Imagine how she must have felt. Morocco, now, are the ones reeling, having spurned a two-goal lead and thought they'd have a chance to go ahead again from the spot with full time looming. Update: Date: 83 mins Title: Post Content: Morocco 2-2 Nigeria The question is likely to be about how much chance Oluwatosin Demehin of avoiding the ball hitting her right hand at such close quarters to the flick on. No penalty! Update: Date: 82 mins Title: Video Assistant Referee Content: Morocco 2-2 Nigeria High drama. Breaths held. Antsino Ndemugwanitha is heading over to the pitchside monitor for the second time since half-time.
