Ajibade Ready for WAFCON 2026 as Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade intensifies fitness preparations ahead of the Morocco tournament

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has declared her readiness for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after stepping up personal fitness preparations ahead of Nigeria’s official training camp in Morocco.

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The Paris Saint-Germain Women midfielder shared images from her private training sessions in Mallorca, Spain, where she has been working on her conditioning alongside teammates and fellow Nigerian internationals Jennifer Echegini and Rinsola Babajide.

Ajibade, who inspired Nigeria to a record-extending 10th WAFCON title in Morocco in 2025, said her preparations were focused on returning stronger for the continental tournament.

“Off season, on purpose. Mallorca with Nike and 292 Performance. Ready for WAFCON 2026 for God’s glory,” Ajibade wrote on X.

The 26-year-old was a standout performer during Nigeria’s previous WAFCON triumph, earning the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award after helping the Super Falcons retain their dominance in African women’s football.

At the last edition, staged in July 2025, Ajibade also claimed three Player of the Match awards, further establishing herself as one of the leading figures in the national team.

Her latest fitness programme, organised by 292 Performance, ran from June 8 to July 4 as part of her preparation for a demanding international schedule.

The captain has also remained involved in football development initiatives during the off-season, hosting coaching clinics and supporting grassroots players and coaches in Nigeria.

Ajibade made her Super Falcons debut in 2018 and won her first WAFCON title in the same year.

Since then, she has featured at three WAFCON tournaments, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games, becoming an important leader within the national team setup.

Nigeria will begin their 2026 WAFCON campaign in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt. Coach Justine Madugu’s side will open their tournament against debutants Malawi in Rabat on July 28.

The 2026 WAFCON, scheduled to run from July 25 to August 16 in Morocco, will also determine qualification routes for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification, while the best-performing quarter-finalist will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.

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With Ajibade leading the squad, Nigeria will aim to extend their record on the continent while building momentum towards another major international campaign.