Nigeria’s historic triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) was more than just a 10th continental title – it was a celebration of individual excellence and leadership that defined the Super Falcons’ success. The team, branded under the “Mission X” campaign, completed their quest for a record-extending trophy with a dramatic 3-2 comeback against hosts Morocco in Rabat.
Beyond the collective achievement, several Super Falcons stood out and were rewarded with top individual honours. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and interim head coach Justin Madugu all walked away with prestigious awards, further underlining Nigeria’s dominance at the tournament.
Ajibade Crowned Player of the Tournament
Rasheedat Ajibade’s performances in Morocco epitomised leadership, consistency, and unrelenting drive. Known to fans as “the girl with the blue hair”, the Lagos-born winger was officially named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.
Although Ajibade scored just once, her influence transcended goals. She registered two assists and won three consecutive Woman of the Match awards during the competition. Her impact was particularly evident in the crucial stages – against Botswana, Zambia and South Africa – where she drove Nigeria’s attacking transitions with pace and precision.
Ajibade sacrificed her usual advanced attacking role to operate deeper in midfield when required. This tactical flexibility allowed her to link play, dictate tempo, and create scoring chances for teammates. Her decision to let Esther Okoronkwo take the all-important penalty in the final reflected her selfless leadership. Moments later, Ajibade turned provider with a clever pass that set up the winning goal.
Having scored 20 goals for the Super Falcons since her debut in 2018, Ajibade continues to be a beacon of Nigerian women’s football, blending star quality with maturity beyond her years.
Read: Super Falcons Seal Comeback to Claim 10th African Crown
Nnadozie Retains Best Goalkeeper Award
Brighton FC’s Chiamaka Nnadozie confirmed her status as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers by retaining the Golden Gloves Award for Best Goalkeeper.
The Orlu-born shot-stopper was immense throughout the tournament, keeping clean sheets in all group-stage games and the quarter-final. She conceded just one goal – a penalty in the semi-final against South Africa – before the two strikes she allowed in the final.
Despite Morocco’s early goals in the final, Nnadozie made several key saves that kept Nigeria in the contest. Her exceptional reflexes, commanding aerial presence, and ability to organise the defence have made her an indispensable figure for the Super Falcons.
Nnadozie’s latest honour adds to an already impressive résumé. She previously won the Di Arkem Goalkeeper of the Season (2023/24) award and was named IFFHS Africa Best Goalkeeper in Diaspora in 2019.
Madugu Completes Dream Debut with Coach of the Tournament Award
For interim head coach Justin Madugu, Morocco 2024 was a career-defining moment. Appointed only months before the competition, the 61-year-old delivered Nigeria’s record-extending 10th WAFCON crown while guiding the team through an unbeaten campaign.
Read: Justin Madugu Named WAFCON 2024 Coach of the Tournament
Madugu’s tactical discipline and ability to blend overseas-based stars with homegrown talents were central to the Super Falcons’ success. His calm decision-making was evident in the final, where second-half substitutions completely changed the game and sparked Nigeria’s remarkable comeback.
For years, Madugu had worked as an assistant coach under various managers, helping Nigeria win WAFCON titles in 2014 and 2018. His crowning as Coach of the Tournament is not just personal vindication, but also a sign that local coaches can succeed at the highest level.
Other Award Winners and Nigeria’s Legacy
While Nigeria swept most major honours, Morocco’s captain Ghizlane Chebbak claimed the Golden Boot, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals. South Africa’s Banyana Banyana received the Fair Play Award for their discipline and sportsmanship.
For the Super Falcons, however, the night belonged to Ajibade, Nnadozie, and Madugu – three figures who perfectly symbolised the leadership, resilience, and tactical excellence that powered Nigeria to glory.
The victory further solidified Nigeria’s unmatched status in African women’s football. With 10 titles in 13 editions, the Super Falcons remain the benchmark for success on the continent.
As Morocco prepares to host the 2026 WAFCON, which will double as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, Nigeria will head into the next edition as favourites. With Ajibade, Nnadozie, and Madugu leading the charge, the Super Falcons look poised to continue their dominance while aiming for global success.