Rasheedat Ajibade: Faith, future and Super Falcons mission

As the nine-time African champions Nigeria, prepare for the 2024 WAFCON, team captain Rasheedat Ajibade stands at the forefront of a Super Falcons squad hungry for success.

In an exclusive interview with aclsports.com ahead of Nigeria’s 2–0 friendly win against Cameroon in Abeokuta, where she scored both goals, Ajibade spoke candidly about her future, her faith, and the team’s mission.

“We play to compete and to win. We approach every game like it’s a final. The trophy is in sight, MissionX is alive, but we know other teams are preparing too, so we must stay focused.”

Despite the off-field challenges the Super Falcons have faced, Ajibade insists the team’s mindset remains unshaken.

“We can only control what we can control, which is our game. We leave the rest behind.”

Ajibade’s journey from the streets of Lagos to captaining one of Africa’s most successful national teams is a story of perseverance and purpose. She began her career with FC Robo Queens and quickly rose through Nigeria’s youth ranks, eventually captaining the U-20 team. In 2018, she represented Nigeria at the inaugural WAFU Zone B Women’s Cup in Côte d’Ivoire and was also part of the squad that won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Ghana later that year.

Her club career gained momentum in 2019 when she signed with Avaldsnes IL in Norway. Two years later, she joined Atlético Madrid Femenino, quickly establishing herself as a key player. She helped the club win the 2020–21 Supercopa de España Femenina and the 2022–23 Copa de la Reina, scoring 40 goals across four and a half seasons.

On the international stage, her profile rose significantly after finishing joint top scorer at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s run to the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Ajibade assumed the Super Falcons captaincy in early 2024 and promptly led the team to Olympic qualification, ending Nigeria’s 16-year absence from the Women’s Football Tournament at the Games.

Soon to be a free agent after her contract with Atlético Madrid expires at the end of June, Rasheedat Ajibade finds herself at a pivotal point in her career.

“We have lots of clubs interested, but it takes a lot of negotiation before making any decisions. It’s still a work in progress,” she said. When teased about a potential move to Manchester United Women, she laughed but made it clear: “My future is in the hands of God.”

Ajibade played her final game for Atlético Madrid on June 7, 2025, marking the end of a memorable chapter with the Spanish side. Although the match ended in defeat to Barcelona, Ajibade’s attacking brilliance and pace were on full display. Her performance, characterized by high-tempo, fearless forward play and infectious energy, symbolic of her time in Spain.

After the game, Ajibade took to Instagram to share her emotions with fans:

“What a tough pill to swallow last night, not the outcome we’d hoped for. But honestly, I can feel us getting closer to where we want to be. With the dedication I see from this team, I know there’s so much greatness waiting for us down the road.”

She described the evening as “emotionally unforgettable,” recognizing it as her final match with “this incredible team.” Expressing deep gratitude, she wrote:

“This club has been more than just a workplace; it’s where I’ve truly grown, not just as a player, but as a person. Thank you for your unwavering support through thick and thin. You made this place feel like home, and I’ll forever be grateful for every single moment.”

Ajibade closed her message with a reaffirmation of her faith and a heartfelt farewell:

“As I move on to the next chapter of my career, I’ll be doing so with God’s guidance. ¡Aúpa Atleti!”

Her deep faith is no secret. Through her podcast ‘Rash for Christ’, she regularly shares her spiritual journey and emphasizes how it shapes both her daily life and career.

“God is my bedrock. Without his grace and guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Ajibade also reflected on her modest beginnings, noting that while access to women’s football was limited, she simply played in a way that felt natural to her.

“I didn’t have anyone I looked up to growing up, and I didn’t try to copy any player. I just played with my own uniqueness.”

Now, with broader exposure to the game, she enjoys learning from others.

“These days, I get to watch other players and pick up a thing or two from them. There’s always something to learn.”

She also acknowledged the growing visibility of women’s football, crediting platforms like YouTube and satellite TV for expanding the game’s reach.

When it comes to personal well-being, Rasheedat Ajibade swears by simple recovery methods:

“Sleep is my biggest medicine. Even nutritional shakes can’t replace the benefits of good rest.”

To young aspiring players, her advice is grounded in discipline and wisdom:

“Be yourself, work hard, be patient, and invest in yourself. Be mindful of who you surround yourself with, if someone isn’t helping you grow, let them go. Let God be at the center of everything.”

And when asked about her favorite gospel artists?

“I can’t choose just one, Moses Bliss, Sunday Theophilus, Dunsin Oyekan, and many others inspire me.”

As the Super Falcons gear up for WAFCON 2024, they’ll be led by a captain whose success is built on more than just talent. Rasheedat Ajibade brings leadership shaped by experience, a spirit anchored in faith, and a heart full of belief, not just in herself, but in the team she now leads onto Africa’s biggest stage.