Ajibade calls on Nigeria fans to lift Super Falcons as Women’s AFCON title defence begins against Malawi

Rasheedat Ajibade has urged Nigeria supporters to raise their backing to an even higher level as the Super Falcons begin the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown against Malawi on Tuesday.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Monday in Morocco, the Nigeria captain underlined that the squad has travelled with a clear objective: to retain the continental trophy and secure qualification for the next Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria, the most successful team in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, open their 2026 campaign against Malawi as reigning champions. Ajibade stressed that the players are fully aware of the expectations that come with that status and are determined to respond on the pitch.

Message to the fans

Ajibade used her appearance in front of the media to send a direct message to supporters at home and in the diaspora, insisting their role remains crucial to the team’s ambitions.

“Our message to our supporters remains the same: they are always there in great numbers and encourage us relentlessly, whether in the stadium or through the media,” Ajibade said.

“We see their support, their love, and how much they push us to win. Because I generally notice that their support was decisive in our last victory. We therefore want them to show the same energy, or even double it.”

The forward, who wears the armband for Nigeria, said the team draws strength from the constant backing they receive and believes that intensified support can help push the Super Falcons through another demanding tournament campaign.

‘We need that energy’

Ajibade went on to emphasise that the collective drive of players and fans alike will be key to sustaining Nigeria’s pursuit of excellence on the African stage.

“Because we need that energy to keep aiming for excellence and to make our nation’s colours shine brightly,” she added. “We must all work together to achieve that.

“The message is clear: let them keep encouraging us, supporting us and praying for us. And we will make them proud, as always.”

Nigeria’s captain framed the relationship with fans as a partnership, insisting the team feels the impact of every message, chant and show of solidarity, whether in Morocco or from afar.

Title and World Cup targets

The Super Falcons arrive at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 as defending champions and with the added incentive of earning a place at the upcoming Women’s World Cup through their performance at the tournament.

Ajibade underlined that retaining the title and clinching World Cup qualification are seen by the squad as inseparable targets, with every match – starting against Malawi – carrying significant weight for both objectives.

The fixture in Morocco will mark the start of Nigeria’s latest attempt to extend their dominance of the women’s game in Africa, and Ajibade made clear that the team expects to be judged not only on results, but also on the pride they bring to their supporters.

With the campaign about to begin, the captain’s message was unmistakable: Nigeria’s players intend to fight to keep their crown, and they want their fans fully behind them for every step of that journey.