Rasheedat Ajibade – The Girl with the Blue Hair
Personal Information:
- Full Name: Rasheedat Ajibade
- Nickname: RASH
- Date of Birth: 8 December 1999
- Place of Birth: Eêsorun, Oke-ba compound, Ikirun, Osun State
- Nationality: Nigerian
Introduction
Rasheedat Ajibade, affectionately known as RASH, is a rising star in the world of women’s football, hailing from Nigeria. Born on December 8, 1999, in Eêsorun, Oke-ba compound, Ikirun, Osun State, she has left an indelible mark on the sport with her exceptional talent and captivating presence both on and off the field.
Career Overview
RASH’s football journey began at an incredibly young age. She embarked on her professional career in 2013, joining FC Robo at just 13 years old. Her prowess and dedication quickly caught the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide.
Over the years, RASH has represented Nigeria on numerous international stages. Notably, she captained the U17 team at the World Cup in 2016, demonstrating her leadership qualities and exceptional skills. She continued to excel and played a significant role in Nigeria’s U20 Women’s World Cup campaigns in the same year.
A Star in the Making
RASH’s performance at the 2018 FIFA U20 World Cup in France showcased her talent to the world as she scored Nigeria’s opening goal in the tournament. Her outstanding contributions didn’t go unnoticed, and she was honored with the NFF Young Player of the Year award in 2018.
RASH’s journey continued to ascend as she clinched the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title with the Nigerian team in 2018, solidifying her place as a crucial asset to the national squad.
READ ALSO: The Contenders: 2022-23 UEFA Women’s Player of the Year Nominees
Global Impact
Beyond the borders of Nigeria, RASH’s impact reverberated internationally. She made her mark in the Norwegian Toppserien, earning a spot in the league’s Team of the Season in 2020. Her exceptional leadership skills were on display as she guided Avaldsnes to a third-place finish.
The pinnacle of her achievements came at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where she emerged as the tournament’s top goalscorer and earned a well-deserved spot in the Team of the Tournament.
Awards and Accolades:
- Supercopa de Espana with Atlético Madrid: 2020–21
- Copa de la Reina with Atlético Madrid: 2022-2023
- CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria: 2018
- Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Top Scorer: 2022
- Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament: 2022
- Toppserien Team of the Season: 2020
- League Bloggers Award NWPL Player of the Season: 2017
- Nigeria Pitch Awards NWPL Player of the Season: 2017
- Nigeria Women Premier League Top Scorer: 2017
- Nigeria Football Federation Young Player Of The Year: 2018
Current Performance:
In the 2022-2023 season, RASH showcased her prowess, amassing 20 games, 8 goals, and 1 assist for Atlético Madrid. Her dedication and contributions continue to elevate her status as a force to be reckoned with on the field.
Conclusion:
Rasheedat Ajibade, known as “The Girl with the Blue Hair,” has proven time and again that her passion for football knows no bounds. With a remarkable journey that began at a tender age, she has evolved into an icon in women’s football, leaving an indelible mark on every field she graces. As she continues to excel and set new standards, RASH remains a symbol of dedication, talent, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the beautiful game.
