Wafcon 2024: What Super Falcons attackers Ajibade and Ihezuo said about beating Botswana

Super Falcons attacking midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade and forward Chiwendu Ihezuo have expressed their delight following Nigeria's hard-fought 1-0 victory over Botswana in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations clash on Thursday.

Ihezuo came off the bench to net the decisive goal in the closing minutes, sealing Nigeria's spot in the quarterfinals of the tournament in Morocco.

Reacting after the match, Ihezuo described the win as a special moment for the team and urged fans to continue their unwavering support.

"I feel super excited for today's victory all thanks to God and my teammates," she told reporters post-match. 

"They should keep supporting us. We will never let them down. We will make Nigerians proud"

Meanwhile, captain Ajibade, who was named Player of the Match, lauded Botswana's performance and stressed the importance of respecting every opponent in the competition.

"Botswana is a good side in this tournament. Nobody can be underrated. Every team is properly managed," said Ajibade at the post-match press conference. 

"They are a very good and decent side. It is a very challenging game and we are grateful for securing the victory."

Ajibade also cleared any speculation regarding her fitness.

"I don't have any injury, I am one hundred percent fit. I am doing what I can do to the best of my ability. For me it is an honour to play for the national team."

She went on to explain her dynamic role on the pitch, having been seen operating in multiple positions throughout the match.

"Not that I am playing as a free player, we have a game plan, sometimes I play like an attacking forward and sometimes I play as a right winger.

"I and my teammates have this connection between ourselves that we just have to be flexible players on the field, we don't have to be static.

"The most important thing is how to break down the opposition defense, we just have to look for every possible means to break down the opposition defense. 

"So it is all about flexibility and not being a static player on the pitch."

Nigeria now sit top of Group B with six points and will face Algeria in their final group stage game. 

Adeyemi Adewale

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