Super Falcons forward Rasheedat Ajibade has played down her individual recognition after being named Player of the Match in Nigeria’s dramatic 2-1 semifinal win over South Africa at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The match, which kept fans on edge until the final whistle, saw Nigeria secure a place in the final after a last-minute winner.
Ajibade, who scored the opening goal from the penalty spot, was visibly emotional after being handed the award for the third consecutive match. Despite her key contribution, the Atlético Madrid star insisted she was not deserving of the honour, attributing her performance to divine grace and collective team effort.
“I honestly don’t think I deserve this. It’s purely God’s grace that found me,” she said in her post-match remarks. “Every one of these Man of the Match awards belongs to my teammates. It’s never about me—it’s about what we’ve achieved together as a unit.”
South Africa, the reigning WAFCON champions, responded to Ajibade’s goal with a penalty conversion by Linda Motlhalo. With the match seemingly heading for extra time, Michelle Alozie delivered a deep cross that evaded Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini in the 94th minute, sealing a memorable win for the Super Falcons.
Ajibade’s humble reaction and emotional moment have resonated across social media, where fans praised her for her leadership, selflessness, and commitment to the team. Her consistent performances have been central to Nigeria’s impressive run in the tournament as they now look ahead to the WAFCON final with renewed confidence.