Meet Rasheedat Ajibade, the Nigerian Women's National Team forward

Meet Rasheedat Ajibade, the Nigerian Women's National Team forward

Kenneth Mwenda
updated at August 17, 2023 at 11:52 AM

Rasheedat Ajibade, hailing from the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria, has ascended the ranks of global women’s football to become one of the sport’s shining stars, representing both her nation and Atlético Madrid with unrivalled passion and skill. Her journey, marked by sheer dedication and impressive accolades, has positioned her as not just a football sensation but also an inspiration to many.

History of Rasheedat Ajibade
Rasheedat Ajibade of Nigeria poses for a portrait during the official FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 portrait session on July 16, 2023, in Brisbane, Australia. Photo: Chris Hyde
Source: Getty Images

Nigeria is globally renowned for its football talent, and one name shining brightly on the women’s football front is Rasheedat Ajibade. From her early years to her current success, her story is woven with dedication, passion, and unyielding spirit.

Profile and bio summary

AttributeInformation

Name

Rasheedat Busayo Ajibade

Gender

Female

Born

December 8, 1999

Age

23 years (as of August 2023)

Star Sign

Sagittarius

Birthplace

Kaduna, Nigeria

Profession

Football player

Current team

Atlético Madrid

Nationality

Nigerian

Ethnicity

Black

Religion

Christianity

Siblings

4

Height

5’3” (160 cm)

Social media

(X) Twitter, Instagram

Net worth

$4 million

How old is Rasheedat Ajibade?

Rasheedat Ajibade (age 23 years as of August 2023) was born on December 8 1999, in Lagos, Nigeria. She grew up in a family of five children, four girls and one boy, who were all encouraged to follow their passions in their sporting family.

History of Rasheedat Ajibade

Rasheedat Ajibade's stats
Rasheedat Ajibade of Atletico de Madrid runs with the ball during the Primera Division Femenina football match between Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid at Zubieta on February 06, 2022, in San Sebastian, Spain. Photo: Gari Garaialde
Source: Getty Images

The story of Rasheedat began in Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling metropolis. Born to football-loving parents, her bond with the sport was nurtured from a tender age. It was during her secondary school years that her talents truly started to shine. Back then, the school’s football pitch resonated with tales of her unparalleled skills and quick footwork.

To Rasheedat Ajibade, balancing between education and her budding football career was challenging. Yet, her resilience saw her make a name in school tournaments. Her meteoric rise in the football realm was not just a product of her talent but a testament to her dedication.

By the age of 14, she was already representing her country at the U17 Women’s World Cup. These were early signs of her destined greatness. She further represented Nigeria in multiple international tournaments, stamping her mark on the global stage.

Rasheedat Ajibade’s stats and World Cup participation

Rasheedat Ajibade's biography
Rasheedat Ajibade of Nigeria gestures during the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Jordan Group C match between Nigeria and England at Prince Mohammed International Stadium on October 4, 2016, in Az Zarqa’, Jordan. Photo: Boris Streubel
Source: Getty Images

When it comes to Rasheedat Ajibade’s stats, the numbers speak volumes. At just 23, Ajibade has showcased her prowess in two World Cups and clinched victory in the Africa Cup of Nations. She stands proudly among Nigeria’s dynamic pool of international players, all of whom exude unwavering confidence in ascending the global football ladder.

Club career

Having achieved her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Lagos State Polytechnic, Rash soon chased her dreams of playing professional football abroad. At the tender age of 19, she inked a deal with Avaldsnes in Norway’s premier league. Her dedication and prowess did not go unnoticed.

By 2021, she was courted by Atletico Madrid, trading the cool terrains of Norway for the sun-drenched fields of Madrid. As a testament to her rising star, just months before the World Cup, Rash clinched the Copa de la Reina, marking her first major silverware.

2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Rasheedat Ajibade was an important part of Nigeria’s team during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Despite facing suspension in the Super Falcons’ inaugural match against Canada, Ajibade made a triumphant return.

She was instrumental in securing a 3-2 victory over Australia and played a pivotal role in the goalless standoff against the Republic of Ireland. This determined performance ensured Nigeria’s advance to the Round of 16. However, their story came to an end in the quarter-finals though as they fell just short of a real upset against England, the European champions.

Rasheedat Ajibade’s salary and net worth

Rasheedat Ajibade's net worth
Nigeria forward Rasheedat Ajibade (15) battles with United States forward Alex Morgan (13) in action during a Summer Series friendly international match between Nigeria and the United States on June 16, 2021, at Q2 Stadium in Austin, TX. Photo: Robin Alam
Source: Getty Images

With success on the field, curiosity often arises about Rasheedat Ajibade’s net worth, which is estimated at $4 million. Endorsements, brand partnerships, and her significant football earnings contribute to her impressive financial portfolio.

Rasheedat's salary of $300,000 at Atletico Madrid places her amongst the top earners in women’s football globally. Her commitment to the sport and resultant success certainly reaps its rewards.

Inquiries often arise about Rasheedat Ajibade’s husband, partner or spouse. While she keeps her personal life under wraps, ensuring a distinction between her public persona and private life, it is evident that those close to her have played a role in her journey.

Rasheedat Ajibade's journey with the Nigerian Women's National team would not have been possible without the unwavering support of her family. Their encouragement since her early days has undoubtedly been a pillar in her climb to football stardom.

READ ALSO: Who is Michelle Alozie? The life story of the Nigerian female footballer

Sports Brief published an article about the life story of Michelle Alozie, the shining gem of the Nigerian Women's National Soccer Team. She has carved a niche for herself on the global football stage.

Born in California but deeply rooted in her Nigerian heritage, she seamlessly blends unparalleled skill with unwavering determination, making her a force to be reckoned with in women's soccer. Click the above link to read more!

Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.
Tags
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)