AJIBADE DETERMINED TO LEAD FALCONS TO FIRST OLYMPICS IN 15 YEARS

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Atletico Madrid midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade says that the Super Falcons is determined to defeat Ethiopia in the second leg of their Olympic Games qualifier.

The teams had previously clashed in Ethiopia, resulting in a 1-1 draw, with stand-in captain Ajibade salvaging Nigeria’s hopes by netting the equaliser.

As the second leg looms, scheduled for tomorrow in Abuja, the stakes are high, with the victor progressing to face either Cameroon or Uganda in the next phase of the qualifier.

Nigeria will need to tread cautiously, considering the team’s prolonged absence from the Olympics, dating back to 2008, a significant 15-year hiatus.

In light of this, Ajibade remains resolute in her determination to alter the course of history, acknowledging Nigeria’s quality to triumph over Ethiopia.

However, she emphasises the evolving nature of the sport, underlining that football no longer harbours any minnows or pushovers.

“We are ready to give our best against Ethiopia on Tuesday and make sure that we move to the next level, and of course Nigerians should expect the best,” Ajibade said.

“They should come as they always do and pray for us, and we will make them proud as always. We all want to play in the Olympics, and this will be my first time if we qualify.”

Ajibade reiterates the need for vigilance, cautioning Nigerians to bear in mind the competitive landscape of modern football.

“But Nigerians should also remember that this is football, and there are no more minnows in football.

“There are no pushovers anymore in football. Looking at Nigeria, we have the quality, we have the players, we have the talents individually and collectively.”

The Falcons have been to every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup but have only appeared at the Olympics on three occasions.