Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been given a major boost at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with two of their key players, Rasheedat Ajibade and Ashleigh Plumptre, named in the Group Stage Best XI. The team for the tournament so far was selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Technical Study Group (TSG) following an intense and exciting group phase.
Both players have been instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the knockout rounds, standing out with consistent performances and showing the experience and quality that have made them mainstays in the national team.
Plumptre: Defensive Rock
Ashleigh Plumptre has anchored the Falcons‘ backline with composure, timing, and tactical discipline. Operating primarily on the left side of defence, Plumptre’s ability to read the game and deliver precise tackles has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s defensive setup. Her calmness under pressure and leadership have not gone unnoticed, with fans and analysts alike praising her as one of the tournament’s standout defenders.
Plumptre was joined in the Best XI’s back four by South African duo Bambanani Mbane and Fikile Magama, as well as Zambia’s commanding centre-back Lushomo Mweemba. The defensive quartet combined grit, athleticism, and intelligence — key traits needed to survive the competitive WAFCON group stages.
Ajibade: Engine of the Falcons’ Midfield
Meanwhile, Rasheedat Ajibade has lit up the tournament with her creative flair, work rate, and attacking runs from midfield. The 24-year-old, formerly of Atletico Madrid, has been the heartbeat of Nigeria’s transition play, seamlessly connecting defence to attack with her precise passing and clever positioning.
Ajibade’s standout performance came in Nigeria’s crucial second group game against Botswana’s Mares, where she was named Woman of the Match. Her technical quality, tactical awareness, and ability to beat defenders made her a nightmare for opposition defences.
She is joined in the tournament’s midfield trio by Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and South Africa’s captain Refiloe Jane, both of whom have also led their teams with distinction.
Attack Powered by Zambian Duo
The attacking trio in the Best XI is dominated by Zambia, whose duo Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda have been electric. Their speed, strength, and eye for goal played a crucial role in Zambia’s progression to the knockout stages. Completing the front line is Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye, who impressed with her intelligent movement and finishing ability.
This front three brings a mix of explosive pace and clinical finishing — the kind of quality that makes them a constant threat to any defence in Africa.
Best Coach: Desiree Ellis
South Africa’s head coach, Desiree Ellis, was named Best Coach of the Group Stage, recognising her leadership in guiding Banyana Banyana through a tough group with poise and tactical acumen. Ellis, a three-time CAF Women’s Coach of the Year, continues to show why she is one of the continent’s most respected figures in women’s football.
Recognition for Nigeria
The inclusion of Ajibade and Plumptre is a source of pride for the Super Falcons and a signal of the team’s strength going into the knockout rounds. It’s also a testament to the growing influence of Nigerian players in the women’s game globally.
With momentum behind them, Nigeria will now aim to build on this recognition and push for an eleventh continental crown.
As the tournament heads into its most decisive phase, all eyes will be on the players who have already left their mark — and Ajibade and Plumptre are certainly among those leading the charge.
