“I don’t deserve it” — Emotional Ajibade breaks down after winning third WAFCON MOTM award

Former Atletico Madrid forward Rasheedat Ajibade has scored a goal and provided two assists at the ongoing WAFCON tournament…

Super Falcons forward Rasheedat Ajibade broke down in tears after receiving her third Player of the Match award at the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Soccernet.ng reports.

The former Atletico Madrid and captain of the Nigeria Women's team dedicated the honour to her teammates and attributed her success to divine grace.

Ajibade, who has been a driving force behind Nigeria’s dominant run at WAFCON, delivered another commanding performance on Tuesday as the Super Falcons defeated reigning champions South Africa 2-1 in a tense semifinal clash at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

Following the emotional win, Ajibade was once again named Player of the Match—having also received the accolade in Nigeria’s group stage victory over Botswana and the quarterfinal thrashing of Zambia.

Player of the Match vs. Botswana
Player of the Match vs. Zambia
Player of the Match vs. South Africa

Nigeria's Rasheedat Ajibade has been unstoppable at WAFCON ‍ pic.twitter.com/akpYtajZSf

— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) July 22, 2025

Watch: Ajibade Cries After Receiving Third WAFCON MOTM Honour

Overwhelmed with emotion, the Kaduna-born star was moved to tears during her post-match interview, humbly deflecting praise.

“I don’t deserve it, to be honest,” Ajibade said. “But God’s grace found me. And all of these Man of the Match awards, I dedicate them to my teammates. This is teamwork. It is not about me carrying this trophy today. It’s all about the team effort.”

The 25-year-old also extended her appreciation to the Nigerian fans who cheered the Super Falcons throughout the contest.

“And all the fans roaring and supporting us today — we couldn’t have done it on our own, not on our strength. But all glory to God. Thank God, thank Jesus Christ, for His grace and mercy.”

Rasheedat Ajibade in tears as she receives her Player of the Match Award. pic.twitter.com/qoWQ4YMUA2

— Ghana Naija Ballers (@GHNaijaBallers) July 22, 2025

Ajibade has been instrumental in Nigeria's flawless WAFCON campaign so far, scoring a crucial goal against South Africa and providing two assists in Nigeria's commanding victory against Zambia.

Her consistent brilliance has powered the nine-time champions into the final of WAFCON 2024.

Nigeria will now face the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco, who defeated Ghana on penalties, to reclaim the continental crown and secure a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.