Rasheedat Ajibade, captain of the Nigerian women’s national football team, has expressed the team’s determination to move beyond continental success following their unprecedented tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
Ajibade made her remarks at a celebratory breakfast hosted by MTN Nigeria in Lagos yesterday, where the telecommunications company announced a donation of N150 million to the team in recognition of their achievement.
According to Ajibade, the team’s ambitions extend beyond regional supremacy, highlighting their renewed desire to compete among the world’s elite. “For us, the Super Falcons of Nigeria—those who won the tenth title and those who will come after—we are grateful for this mission. We are proud of winning this tenth title, but we are not satisfied,” Ajibade stated emphatically. “We aspire to elevate our performance. We want to be global contenders, not merely local champions.”
The Atletico Madrid forward acknowledged the significance of their historic WAFCON victory but emphasised that it now serves as a launching pad for even greater aspirations. “Winning it ten times is commendable, but now we must take it to the next level.”
Ajibade also paid tribute to Nigeria’s footballing legends who laid the groundwork for the team’s success. “Many of us lifted the trophy for the first time, but others have triumphed before us. We appreciate you.”
She stressed the importance of collective effort in achieving this ambitious goal, calling for increased support from key stakeholders. “We recognise our responsibilities.
We understand the pressing duties placed upon us,” she explained. “We can work together with the Federation, the federal government, and private entities to continue investing in and supporting the Super Falcons to achieve this objective.”
Ajibade also expressed gratitude for the support of dignitaries throughout their WAFCON journey. “We appreciate everyone who supported us, from President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, to the Ministers of Women’s Affairs and of Arts and Culture. Their support has been transformative and inspires us to keep representing our nation globally.”
Speaking at the event, Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to gender equality and youth development. “We take great pride in our support for women not only in sports but across the entire nation. Today, we gather not just to celebrate victory on the pitch, but to honour resilience, excellence, and national pride.”
Toriola highlighted MTN’s efforts in promoting gender inclusion, noting improvements in staff ratios and diversity in leadership. “We believe we have the most gender-balanced leadership team on the Stock Exchange, and we are committed to achieving full parity by 2030.”
He praised the team’s performance and emotional impact, adding, “At 2-0 at halftime, my heart sank. I thought it was over. When the third goal was scored, I had a tear in my eye. Thank you for that joyous moment.”
MTN’s ongoing sponsorship of the Nigeria Football Federation was also recognised. “You’ve delivered on our investment,” Toriola stated. “We have supported you through every match, challenge, and trial, and today we are proud to say our efforts have not been in vain.”
Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, reinforced the themes of resilience and excellence. “This championship has been held 13 times, and Nigeria has won 10. That’s no small achievement. Your determination and patriotism make the entire nation, especially women, proud.”
