The Super Falcons were the favorites to win, but Cape Verde ensured that they had to work extra to get the win
Super Falcons stand-in captain Rasheedat Ajibade has stated that the Super Falcons' ability to push themselves was the vital quality they needed to defeat Cape Verde on Monday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria's Super Falcons travelled to Praia to take on Cape Verde at the Estadio Nacional Cabo Verde in Monday. They were huge favorites to win the game because of their quality. Besides, they claimed a 5-0 win from the first leg in Abuja, so they were expected to replicate that level of performance.
However, they failed to produce that level of performance. Nigeria conceded in the early embers of the game and looked very shaky.
Nonetheless, they eventually settled into the game and staged a comeback thanks to goals from Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo. The win sealed Nigeria's spot at next year's WAFCON.
Following their win, Ajibade admitted that it was a tough encounter, but their doggedness ensured that they left with the win.
“It wasn't an easy game, and Cape Verde wasn't an easy team. They are also a very good side but of course, the better side won the game,” Ajibde said per the Super Falcons show.
“As a team, we have a standard for ourselves. So that's what we've been building on. We kept challenging ourselves that we are good and we are better. So we have to play up to that standard.
“We kept encouraging each other, pushing each other, to get more from ourselves, that every game, we have to do out best to win, we have to give out 100% on the field.”
The Super Falcons will be looking to reclaim the AFCON crown when they play in Morocco next year.
