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At 25, Rasheedat Ajibade is playing in his third TotalEnergies Caf Wafcon. From the rookie in 2018 to the captain in the 2024 edition, the Atlรฉtico Madrid striker has grown by leaps and bounds. For a long time he considered a promising perspective, has been established as a central figure of the Super Falcons. Upon arriving like a flash, it has become the compass.
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On Thursday night, in the compact field of the Larbi Zaouli stadium in Casablanca, he did not score. She didn’t need to do it. Present in each area, required in its choices, invaluable in moments of uncertainty, Ajibade was a lighthouse against Botswana.
Woman voted for the game after the 1-0 victory, once again confirmed that it is not just a dynamite in the wing: she is the soul of a Nigeria who seeks to recover her title.
2018 – The rookie with sharp tacos
He wasn’t 19 yet. Shaded head, sharp legs, and that quiet anger to reach the most feared national team on the continent. In the 2018 edition in Ghana, Ajibade entered the fray with respect but without fear. He crossed with the legends: Rita Chikwelu, Desire Oparazie, Ngozi Ebere. He stayed quiet, he observed, learned. And above all, she stayed.
During the semifinal against Cameroon (a drawless raffle, 4-2 with penalties), she got as a substitute and did not shuddered when she arrived when taking her penalty. A few days later, he lifted the continental trophy. His first title, his first emotion, on the eve of his 19th birthday. A promise. A starting point.
2022 – The established player, promoted by Europe
Four years later, everything had changed. He had left Lagos, made a scale in Norway (Avaldnes Il), then found a home in Spain, at Atlรฉtico de Madrid. As an additional benefit, it had a new look: electric blue hair, which has become its characteristic appearance. The rhythm had accelerated, just like the demands. “In Madrid, I learned to play more precision. Run less. Look before receiving,” he trusted the BBC. She is no longer just an arrow: think, anticipate, orchestra.
In 2022, back in Morocco, the costume was finally put. An undisputed headline scored three goals, was the top scorer of the tournament and was appointed for the first XI of the competition. In the quarterfinals, she was the one who closed Nigeria’s rating against Cameroon (1-0), with a masterful effort of crossfire. Ajibade, the immediate impact.
But the end left a bitter taste. Suspended for the semifinal against the host country (1-1, 5-4 with penalties), he observed the elimination of the bank. Then, he saw the Super Falcons lose to Zambia (1-0) in the third place match. A frustrating campaign. But for her, one thing is safe: Nigeria can no longer advance without ajibade.
2024 – The Captain, the voice that carries
She no longer needs to state. Since 2023, he has used Captain’s bracelet. It is not a formality; It is a fact. In the field, she establishes the tone. Outside, she extends her hand. Ajibade is now that quiet figure, which is reassured, which guides, who speaks little but speaks clear and direct. Against Botswana, she offered remarkable performance: 81 touches in the ball, eight duels won, five key passes, three shots in the target. But more than the numbers, it is the style. She guides, delays, restarts and exerts pressure on the ball. She returns to recover low balls, throws attacks, manages weak moments. She was everywhere. Without forcing anything. With easy With authority.
Ajibade has not only changed roles in six years. She has sailed the stages with rare consistency. He has moved from the shadow of his former teammates to the attention of responsibility. Without betraying your style. Today, she plays a less extravagant Nigeria, but that is more structured, more patient and more solid. And in this team looking for a new crown, she is the one who leads the way.
