Rasheedat Ajibade and Ashleigh Plumptre have been honoured with spots in the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 Group Stage Best XI, after their standout performances powered Nigeria to the quarterfinals with a flawless group campaign.
Ajibade, the 25-year-old captain, has been a midfield engine and tactical leader across all three matches, orchestrating attacks and inspiring her teammates with fearless forward drives. She was pivotal in Nigeria’s narrow 1-0 triumph over Botswana, earning the Woman of the Match accolade.
Plumptre, known for her composure under pressure and excellent positional discipline, marshalled the defence in victories against Tunisia and Botswana. The former Leicester City defender has continued to prove indispensable since returning to the Super Falcons’ fold.
Nigeria finished top of Group C with maximum points and without conceding a goal, dispatching Tunisia 2-0, Botswana 1-0, and edging past debutants Burundi 1-0—demonstrating defensive grit and tactical maturity.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the Best XI on Wednesday, highlighting players who displayed consistent excellence in the tournament’s opening phase. Ajibade and Plumptre’s inclusion is a testament to the Falcons’ balanced squad and tactical evolution under Coach Randy Waldrum.
Next for Nigeria is a quarterfinal showdown with Zambia’s Copper Queens, scheduled for Friday, July 19, at Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca, with kick-off at 5 p.m. Nigerian time. The Super Falcons will be eyeing their tenth WAFCON crown as they chase glory in Morocco.
With the team’s form rising and two of its stars now continental standouts, confidence is high in the Nigerian camp as fans dream of another golden chapter in Super Falcons history.
