Rasheedat Ajibade Optimistic That The Super Falcons Would Bounce Back From South Africa's Defeat In 2022 WAFCON.
Rasheedat Ajibade remains optimistic of bouncing back following Nigeria's disappointing 1-2 loss to South Africa in Group opener of the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations on Monday evening.
The Banyana Banyana of South Africa, have now recorded back-to-back wins against Nigeria after they defeated the Super Falcons 4-2 in the Aisha Buhari Cup Invitational in 2021.
Super Falcons striker wants her team to quickly learn from this setback to try to rectify the situation going forward in the tournament.
Despite scoring a late consolation goal for the nine time champions, the Atletico Madrid player was disappionted with her teams performance against a well improved Banyana Banyana team.
"Yes it's not just about me, it's not about my goal which is important, the most important thing is the team and we wanted to win and that's what we were looking for but that's not what happened, even though we ran after it for a long time.
"It was a difficult game, we will focus on the next game and on the rest of the competition, so if we don't win my goal is not important, it's more the group than the individuals... Rasheedat said in an interview with Africa Top Sports.
The Super Falcons came under heavy criticism, as some football fans expressed their disappointment over the very poor performance against their South African opponents.
"Of course as an athlete or as a champion, we must be ready to accept criticism, as well as encouragement and all that goes with it. When it's not going your way, you have to accept it, you have to learn from it, and you have to not fall into this bad cycle... Rasheedat said.
"No matter what happens you have to improve as a person, player and team.
"It doesn't matter if we win or lose the first match, all that matters now is the next matches.
"The supporters must continue to support us, don't let go of us and sometimes that's how it is, we are in trouble, it's a tournament. It's only the first game, and there's still a long way to go.
"We have to keep fighting, and learn from this game. We have to give more energy, have more confidence in ourselves, have more positive vibes in the game and keep pushing to get the wins.
"I know our fans are sad tonight that we lost this game, and we are sad to be the cause of it, I know the Nigerians are behind us, giving us all the support we need to go on until the final.
"We will continue to hold this flag high and make the country proud, we are optimistic and positive about being able to reach the final."
You may recall that Super Falcons went through the same scenario in 2018 WAFCON after being stunned 1-0 in the opening game against this same South Africa before winning the tournament.
Meanwhile, in the same Group C of the 2022 WAFCON, Botswana are top at moment following their 4-2 victory over fellow debutants Burundi on same Monday, courtesy of goals from Keitumetse Dithebe, Lesego Radiakanyo, and a brace from Refilwe Tholakele.
The Botswana team became the seventh nation to win their very first WAFCON match, and the first since Namibia beat Zambia 2-0 in their 2014 debut.
South Africa are in second place after their 2-1 victory against Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
The Super Falcons would be back in action on Thursday, and would hope to bounce back to winning ways when they face group leaders Botswana, while South Africa will battle Burundi.
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