Nigerian forward Rasheedat Ajibade has been named the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 Woman of the Tournament.

The 25-year-old was instrumental for the Super Falcons and guided them to their 10th record-extending title, beating Morocco 3-2 in the final played in Rabat over the weekend.

“From the opening whistle to the final game, she stood tall even when the odds looked like they were against her. Just like the leader that she is, she displayed her relentlessness and embraced the moment and never looked back,” noted CAF’s Technical Study Group (TSG).

“When she was invited to the photoshoot with the new WAFCON trophy prior to the start of the tournament at the iconic Hassan II Tower, she looked at it and promised herself that Nigeria would lift this beautiful crown. It is that will to gather her troops every time that they walked onto the field that led her to this moment – the moment where Nigeria once again, conquered Africa.”

Ajibade, who plays for Spanish side Atlético Madrid, earned three Woman of the Match awards against Botswana, Zambia and South Africa.

“This is the second time that Ajibade is being awarded at the WAFCON after she walked away with the Joint Top Scorer Award at the 2022 edition – tied with Ghizlane Chebbak of Morocco and South Africa’s Hildah Magaia.