Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, has conceded that Nigeria’s performance in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against the Benin Republic was not up to their usual standards, though she maintained that the team was not complacent.

Despite the draw, the Falcons advanced to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after securing a 3-1 aggregate victory, following their 2-0 win in the first leg held in Lome last Friday.

Defender Ashleigh Plumptre put Nigeria ahead early in the game at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, nodding in Esther Okoronkwo’s corner in the 13th minute. However, Benin equalized in the 60th minute through Yasminath Djibril, forcing the home side to settle for a draw.

Speaking after the match, Ajibade admitted that while qualification was achieved, the team’s overall display could have been better.

“We weren’t overconfident because we knew what to expect from them. When we played in Lome, they came out strong in the second half, and we anticipated the same here,” the PSG forward explained.

“A draw was a big result for them, and you could see how much they celebrated it. For us, it’s a reminder to never drop our standards — we must keep pushing and improving. It wasn’t our best performance, but we’ll learn from it and stay focused on the next game.”

The 2026 WAFCON in Morocco will also serve as the African qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Ajibade also had personal cause for celebration after receiving the 2024 Nigeria Pitch Award for the country’s Best Female Footballer.

“Special thanks to God Almighty for this incredible honour,” she said. “2024 was a remarkable year filled with challenges and unforgettable moments that shaped me both on and off the pitch. This award means a lot — not just to me, but to every young girl who dares to dream.”