At just 25, Rasheedat Ajibade has been crowned Best Player of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, following a heroic campaign that saw her captain Nigeria to their 10th continental title.
In front of a packed stadium in Rabat on Saturday, July 26, Ajibade’s brilliance was on full display as Nigeria edged host nation Morocco 3–2 in a tense and thrilling final. Scoring one goal and assisting another, Ajibade’s fingerprints were all over the Super Falcons’ success—confirming her place among the elite in African women’s football.
This individual accolade is a milestone moment in the career of a player who is fast becoming a symbol of Nigerian football excellence, both on and off the pitch.
Rasheedat Ajibade: Nigeria’s Relentless Force in African Women’s Football
Leading Nigeria to Glory Again
Born on December 8, 1999, in Mushin, Lagos, Rasheedat Busayo Ajibade’s football journey began on Nigeria’s street pitches. She quickly rose through the ranks at FC Robo, where her flair, pace, and intelligence caught the eyes of local and international scouts. Her first professional move came in 2018 to Norway’s Avaldsnes IL, before joining Atlético Madrid Femenino in 2021.
Now, four years later, she is not just a European-based talent—she is the captain and creative engine of Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
WAFCON 2024: A Campaign of Brilliance
Throughout the tournament, Ajibade stood out as Nigeria’s match-winner, playing every minute of every match and contributing in all areas of the field. She scored in the group stage, assisted the winner in the semifinals, and delivered a goal and an assist in the final—earning three Woman of the Match awards in the process.
Her technical maturity, composure under pressure, and tactical intelligence distinguished her from the rest of the field. As the final whistle blew in Rabat, there was no doubt: Ajibade was the player of the tournament.
“I’m honored to lead this group. This is not just my award—it belongs to the team, to Nigeria, and to every girl dreaming of playing this game,” Ajibade said after the final.
Mastery on the Pitch
Whether deployed as a winger, attacking midfielder, or false nine, Ajibade’s understanding of space, tempo, and timing is elite. Her bursts of acceleration, precise passing, and calm finishing give her a dangerous unpredictability. Off the ball, her movement consistently opens lanes for teammates.
She’s not just a scorer—she’s a playmaker, a connector, and a leader.
Off the Field: Role Model and Advocate
Beyond her footballing gifts, Ajibade is deeply committed to social impact. She founded the #StandOutWithRASH Initiative, which supports youth through mentorship, scholarships, and football gear distribution across Nigeria.
“I want to be a light for others,” she says. “To show that you can succeed on your own terms—with hard work, faith, and the right people around you.”
Her advocacy for gender equity in sports and access to resources for girls in underprivileged communities has earned her recognition far beyond football circles.
Eyes on the Future
With her contract at Atlético Madrid now concluded, Ajibade is reportedly drawing interest from clubs in the English Women’s Super League and French Division 1 Féminine. Yet regardless of where her club future lies, her focus remains on raising Nigerian football to global standards.
“Nigeria has the talent—we just need the infrastructure and vision to match it,” she recently stated in an interview with local media.
