Ahead of Nigeria’s Olympics 2028 qualifying clash against Comoros, Super Falcons interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen and captain Rasheedat Ajibade struck a confident tone as they addressed the media in a pre-match press conference.
For Eguavoen, the opportunity to lead Africa’s most successful women’s national team represents both an honour and a major responsibility.
The former Super Eagles coach admitted that taking charge of the Super Falcons is a role he never takes for granted, given the team’s rich history and achievements on the continent and beyond.
“Anybody that has the privilege to coach the Super Falcons should be proud because this is a team that has dominated Africa and also has a strong record at the World Cup and Olympics. It is a privilege and a blessing to me.”
Eguavoen described the experience as a special chapter in his coaching career.
“To be Super Falcons coach today is a wonderful experience for me. I count myself as lucky.”
Having spent most of his coaching career in the men’s game, Eguavoen acknowledged that managing a women’s national team requires a different approach.
Drawing from his experiences as a father and family man, he explained that communication and understanding are essential.
“It’s a different approach. When I deal with my daughters, I’m careful. When I deal with my wife, I’m careful. It’s a different environment.”
The coach credited the support of the technical staff and players for helping him settle quickly into the role.
“The players have made it very easy for me. They welcomed me into the fold and promised to give their best.”
As one of the team’s most experienced players, Ajibade was asked about the growing number of young players being integrated into the squad.
The winger urged the newcomers to believe in themselves and reminded them that every senior international once started from the same point.
“They should look at us. We all started where they started. We are all products of grassroots football and the Nigerian league.”
She stressed that progressing from youth football to the senior national team is achievable for any player willing to work hard.
“We all played Under-17, Under-20 and evolved to this level. It is possible if they continue to give their best.”
Ajibade also highlighted the strong bond within the Super Falcons camp, insisting there is little distinction between senior and younger players.
According to her, the entire squad is united by a single objective.
“You really cannot see the difference that there is a senior or a junior. We are all one, we are all chasing the same goal and we are in it together.”
That togetherness, she believes, will be crucial as Nigeria begins its quest for a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
While acknowledging the difficulty of Olympic qualification for African teams, Ajibade emphasized the importance of making a winning start.
“It’s important that we start well by winning. We will take it one step at a time and one game at a time.”
With only a limited number of Olympic spots available to African nations, every match becomes significant in the road to qualification.
Faith in the Squad
Eguavoen also spoke glowingly about working with accomplished players such as Ajibade and other established internationals within the squad.
“Working with world-class players like Rash and the rest is also a privilege. You can’t beat it.”
He described the relationship between himself and the players as one built on mutual respect and trust.
“Before now, it was from afar. Today we are very close, like fathers and daughters, coach and players. It’s a privilege.”
The coach also dismissed concerns over unavailable players, insisting Nigeria has enough talent to cope with injuries and absences.
“Every player is important, but this is football. Injuries happen. It is an opportunity for others to step in and show what they can do.”
As the Super Falcons prepare to face Comoros, both coach and captain are united in their message: respect the opposition, trust the process, and take each step towards Olympic qualification one game at a time.