“We’re not invincible” – Rasheedat Ajibade reveals 3 big lessons from Super Falcons’ loss to South Africa

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has broken her silence following Nigeria's 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the continental playoffs for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.

​It has been a disastrous week for the Super Falcons and Nigerian football. On Sunday, they were knocked out in the quarterfinals of the 2026 WAFCON following a 1-0 loss to Cameroon — marking the first time in 14 editions of the tournament that Nigeria has failed to reach the semifinals.

​That setback relegated the ten-time African champions to the inter-confederation playoffs, where they faced South Africa on Thursday with a World Cup spot hanging in the balance.

Linda Motlhalo of South Africa celebrate goal with teammates. Photo by: ImagoxMansa Ayoola

​However, they flattered to deceive, falling to a 2-1 defeat. Goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane rendered Christy Ucheibe's late strike a mere consolation.

​As a result, for the first time since they started attending the tournament, Nigeria will miss out on the FIFA Women's World Cup.

​This is a massive blow and a stinging indictment on the team. The players were heavily criticized for looking overconfident and lackadaisical throughout the WAFCON, though most appeared visibly distraught after the final whistle on Thursday.

Rasheedat Ajibade Shares Biggest Lessons From South Africa Defeat

Super Falcons stars (Photo credit: Imago)

​PSG star Rasheedat Ajibade endured a quiet tournament in Morocco. She played every single minute of Nigeria's campaign, but struggled to make an impact against both Cameroon and South Africa.

​Speaking after the defeat to Banyana Banyana, she admitted that the squad had learned some hard lessons from their shortcomings. The former Atlético Madrid Femenino forward noted the importance of avoiding complacency, improving preparation, and delivering peak performances consistently.

Rasheedat, Onyi Echegini, Ijeoma Esther Okoronkwo and Babajide for Nigeria. (Photo by: MansaAyoolaxImago)

​”To be honest, my biggest lesson is just gratitude. We should be grateful,” Ajibade told Ademola Victor.

​”We should learn not to be lax because the competition is fierce now. We must realize we're not invincible; we just need to prepare more, get better, and demand more of ourselves individually and collectively.”

This failure against South Africa is a heavy financial and structural blow to the Nigeria Football Federation. In the coming weeks, a major shake-up within the Super Falcons setup and the wider NFF would come as little surprise.