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By: Abiodun Adewale.
Super Falcons forward, Rasheedat Ajibade, has restated the commitment of the current squad to surpass the quarter-final achievement of the country at the FIFA Women’s World Cup as they take on co-hosts Australia in their second match of the tournament on Thursday (today) morning (11am) at the Brisbane Stadium.
Despite dominating in Africa with nine Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles, Nigeria’s quarter-final exit in 1999 has been the hallmark of the Falcons participation at the world stage, having also failed to make it beyond the group stages in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 before being knocked out in the round of 16 in 2019.
Beyond making it past the group stage, the Atletico Feminine forward, who joined coach Randy Waldrum for the pre-match presser noted that the team was determined to make their mark at Down Under.
“It’s amazing that Nigeria has qualified for all the World Cups and I think it is high time we get past the quarter-final stage which has been the highest level for us.
“This present squad, we are doing our best as we can and trying to make sure we get past that level. We don’t just want to participate as always, we want to pull the trigger this time.”
After missing the opening game against Canada due to suspension, Ajibade is expected to return to Randy Waldrum’s starting lineup against the Matildas. Ajibade as well as Halimatu Ayinde missed the first game as a result of being sent off in the semi-final of last year’s WAFCON against hosts Morocco.