Rasheedat Ajibade: From Freestyle Champion to Falcons' Fierce Leader
In a dazzling display of leadership and brilliance, Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade clinched her second Player of the Match award at the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after steering the Super Falcons to a ruthless 5-0 quarterfinal victory over Zambia on Friday.
From the very first whistle in Casablanca, Ajibade’s energy, vision and commanding presence defined a Nigerian side that is yet to concede a goal in the tournament. But beyond her on-field exploits, the 25-year-old midfielder is emerging as the emotional and spiritual core of a team on a mission far bigger than just winning a trophy.
“These are the kind of games we want to play,” Ajibade said with firm conviction after the match. “Getting to the semifinal shows the effort the team put into every game. We try to improve ourselves in each match. We might have issues behind the scene, but we don’t let that get to us, we do our job. We are doing this for those girls aspiring to be here one day.”
Born to Lead: Coach Madugu on Ajibade’s Captaincy
Amidst superstars and veterans, Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu has been vocal about the reasons he entrusted Ajibade with the armband, beginning against Ethiopia in the Paris 2024 Olympics qualifiers in 2023 and what she brings beyond the goals and assists.
“Rasheedat has done well for the team so far, which accounted for her making the Team of the Group Stage and winning two Woman of the Match awards in four games,” Madugu told Cafonline.com. “She has been carrying the team along with her energy and exemplary leadership on the field of play.”
He added that her selection as captain wasn’t a coincidence but a deliberate act based on observable leadership attributes.
“Yes, we saw the leadership qualities in her—her commitment, relationship with the players and the commanding, encouraging, and inspiring role she plays on the field,” he explained. “Some persons are born with innate leadership qualities which when recognized early can be exploited. We were inspired by those qualities and felt she could hold the team together.”
A Journey Rooted in Resilience and Skill
Before taking to football professionally, Ajibade was a skater and later conquered the streets of Lagos and the continent as a freestyle football champion. That fearless spirit carried her through the ranks of FC Robo Queens, where she spent five defining years and served as captain.
She's the fourth product of the Lagos-based Nigeria Women Football League outfit alongside six-time Caf Women's Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, Folashade Ijamilusi and Shukurat Oladipo in the Super Falcons' WAFCON 2024 squad.
It was at Robo that she honed her skills and leadership qualities, impressing her longtime coach and manager Emmanuel Osahon, who remains one of her biggest admirers, noting that she is truly proving her worth on the continental stage.
He praised her charisma and all-round contribution as a creative midfielder who effortlessly connects with her teammates, highlighting her leadership and technical abilities. “I am so excited for her and give glory to God. She really proved her worth at this WAFCON. I am impressed,” he told CAFOnline.com.
Reflecting on her development, Osahon recalled Ajibade’s time at FC Robo Queens, where she once captained the side, and how he constantly encouraged his players to aim for the top.
“At FC Robo Queens, I told them that they can get to the peak of their career. She was the captain of FC Robo Queens for some times. In the Super Falcons team, every player that is FC Robo Queens product are captains,” he remarked. From Robo, she moved to Norway’s Avaldsnes before her most recent stint at Atlético Madrid in Spain, which she has now exited after almost five years, poised for her next adventure.
Big Game Credentials and a Proven Record
Ajibade’s game thrives on pressure. She has made a name for herself as a big-game player—scoring the decisive goal in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Cameroon at the last WAFCON to seal World Cup qualification. Earlier this year, she found the net twice against the same side in an international friendly, underlining her consistency on the international stage.
As Nigeria’s joint-top scorer at the 2022 WAFCON, and now again leading by example, her influence is undeniable. Despite external criticisms at times, her coach remains confident in her impact.
“She’s had tremendous impact on the team’s goal scoring with assists in the first and last games against Zambia,” Madugu noted. “We try to encourage her to be herself, remain humble and not be distracted by any negativities. We're both working closely to propel the team to greater heights.”
RASH’s Impact Beyond the Pitch
Away from the pitch, Ajibade’s influence is no less powerful. Through her RASH Foundation, she invests in grassroots football and provides medical outreach for budding talents, an extension of her vision for Nigerian football’s future. The member of FIFPRO's Global Player Council viewed her performances not just as personal milestones but as symbols of hope for the next generation.
“Games where people underrate us are the ones we love to play,” Ajibade said. “For me as captain, it’s all about doing it for the young girls looking up to us, and for the Nigerian people who believe in us—and for ourselves. It’s about doing what we know how to do to the best of our abilities.”
She is also grounded in her faith, crediting divine strength and mental toughness for the Falcons’ journey so far. “First, it was God’s grace and mercy, then it was our mentality—for us to be the best, we have to beat the best teams,” she said. “It hasn’t been easy playing from the beginning of the tournament without conceding a goal. We continue to take one game at a time and not lose our focus. The celebration will continue as long as the Lord is on the throne.”
Ajibade concluded with a heartfelt tribute to her teammates and fans.“I commend the defensive department and the goalkeeper for the clean sheets. We will continue to make history for ourselves as players and keep setting the standard for those coming behind us. We thank Nigerians for their support. To be honest, their support has been instrumental in this tournament. They should continue to cheer us.”
Family Pride: Ajibade’s Rise Through the Eyes of Her Siblings
Ajibade’s journey from the streets of Mushin to captaining the Super Falcons has not only inspired a nation but has been a source of deep pride for her family. Her siblings—Aishat, Saidat, and Shola, shared exclusively told CAFOnline.com, heartfelt reflections on her rise, their unwavering support, and the role of prayer in her success.
“As a family, we were happy and super proud of her,” said Aishat Ajibade, Rasheedat’s sister, exclusively told CafOnline.com. “Watching her captain the team with great humour and extreme spirit of good leadership—seeing her shine really made it for me. It was such an emotional moment.”
For Saidat Ajibade, another sister, the experience was nothing short of unforgettable. “Watching Rasheedat lead the team with such composure and determination made her the star for us. It reminded us of how far she has come and the dedication she’s put into her journey. Representing Nigeria at that level is truly special.”
The siblings all emphasized how crucial their support has been in helping Rasheedat flourish. “Our support as a family has played a key role in her life,” Saidat explained. “We’ve always prayed for her, encouraged her, and been there through the highs and lows. Knowing she has us behind her gives her strength and confidence on and off the pitch.”