Ajibade South Africa World Cup play-off: Super Falcons captain urges Nigeria to recover from Cameroon defeat and beat Banyana Banyana in Casablanca

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has urged Nigeria to put their disappointing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final defeat to Cameroon behind them and focus on beating South Africa in Thursday’s crucial World Cup qualification play-off in Casablanca, Morocco.

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Nigeria’s 1-0 defeat by Cameroon ended their hopes of securing one of Africa’s automatic places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but the 10-time African champions still have another route to the tournament in Brazil.

The Super Falcons must now overcome South Africa’s Banyana Banyana to advance to the inter-confederation play-offs, where another opportunity to qualify for the World Cup awaits.

Ajibade acknowledged the disappointment of the Cameroon defeat but said dwelling on the result would serve little purpose as Nigeria prepare for another decisive encounter.

“What has happened has happened. There’s nothing we can do about that. We can’t control it anymore,” Ajibade told reporters.

“It’s all about putting ourselves together and getting the loss behind us.”

The captain stressed that qualification for the World Cup remains a major priority for the team and Nigerian football supporters.

“Being in the World Cup, honestly, in Nigeria, that is very important for us. So we’ll do our best,” Ajibade said.

The midfielder’s message comes after criticism of the Falcons’ performance against Cameroon. Ajibade has also defended her teammates against what she described as unfair criticism, insisting the players remain determined to secure another opportunity to reach the global tournament.

The stakes are particularly high because Nigeria have never missed a FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991. The current qualification route therefore represents a significant test for a side accustomed to competing on the world stage.

South Africa present a familiar opponent. The two sides met in the semi-finals of the previous WAFCON, with Nigeria securing a 2-1 victory before going on to win the continental title. Ajibade scored Nigeria’s opening goal in that encounter.

The latest meeting carries a very different weight, however. The loser will see their hopes of reaching the 2027 World Cup end, while the winner will advance to the inter-confederation play-off stage.

Nigeria head coach Justine Madugu has also acknowledged the need for a rapid response, urging the Falcons to improve rather than rely on their history and previous achievements.

For Ajibade, the immediate task is therefore clear. The Falcons must recover emotionally, maintain their focus and produce a performance capable of keeping their World Cup campaign alive.

The match is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, in Casablanca. Current match listings place kick-off at 5pm GMT, which is 6pm Nigerian time. Reports have identified the Larbi Zaouli Stadium as the venue.

With no margin for error, Nigeria face one of their most consequential matches of the tournament.

Ajibade’s call for the team to move on from Cameroon is now likely to be tested on the pitch against a South African side with an equally strong incentive to advance.

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The Falcons’ route to Brazil remains open, but only a victory will keep that dream alive.